Wisdom Remembers Generations to Come

Though extremely limited in energy, Wyndham finds time for the next generation. Wisdom understands that Jesus and his teachings must be instilled in coming generations if this world is to have hope. I learned more about wisdom as Wyndham asked me to set up some time last week for him to visit with a young man who is entering college. He recognized this disciple’s convictions and desired to instill vision in him—for ways the young man might consider making a lasting impact for God.

I remembered as a young girl the inspiration I gained from a few women in the older generation who were making a difference in this world…yet stopped to talk to me. Wisdom calls me to make more specific times to share, as it takes forethought and deliberate conversations to instill God’s greatness and love to the next generation(s). Never underestimate the difference your words and actions make to young eyes who watch and listen.

A few weeks ago Wyndham turned 65. As is our custom, with each birthday every family member expounds on a word that describes something we love or admire in the birthday person.  Our eight grandchildren are continual beneficiaries of their Papa’s practice of Deuteronomy 6:1-9. (Look it up. It’s a great scripture to memorize!) I loved each of their meaningful words as they shared. (Well, I didn’t fully understand 8-month-old Colette’s words…though she made her voice known.)

The next generation listens…and watches.

Pictured here is a card from our 7-year-old grandson. In phonetic spelling it reads, “You taught me to how love God and now it’s my turn.”

He gets it.

The following week my daughter recounted to me a conversation between Micah and his close friend. On the way back from summer football camp Micah’s friend inquired about the book which was in the back seat of the car. Micah told him it was his Bible, to which his friend asked, “What’s the Bible?”

Micah then explained that the Bible teaches about God and Jesus, and proceeded to tell him the books that were in the Bible from Genesis through Revelation (something he had been working on).

He told his friend he would love to teach him about the Bible, as he shared, “ I’m a Bible teacher. That’s who I am.”

He then showed his friend Galatians 5:22 which speaks of the fruits of God’s Spirit. After reading the verse, he asked his friend…”Which ones do you think you need to work on?” Micah then told his friend that he needn’t feel bad, as he had to work on self-control as well.

Next, he excitedly showed him Jesus’ first miracle in John 2, telling his friend how amazing Jesus was. He reminded him that he would love to teach him more about the Bible any time.

Yes, Micah…it’s your turn.  

Wisdom remembers that the next generations are listening and watching.

May wisdom rule our conversations as our lives speak of the wonders that God has done…and continues to do.

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.
  I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old–
  what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.
  We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
  He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,
  so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.
  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.   (Psalm 78:1-7)