It won’t be long before we enter the summer months when a lot of families enjoy family reunions. During these times there are always unhurried opportunities to just sit around and tell stories. In our family it is always entertaining to watch the youngsters in the group … they hang on every word as the “older folk” share humorous stories, interesting stories, exciting stories, stories of suspense, danger and delight. In a family where Christian values are honored it’s not long before stories of God’s blessing, provision and power begin to surface. Grandparents tell their stories of God’s faithfulness… Then parents add theirs… You can watch the youngsters lean forward with interest and soak it all in. What an opportunity to “perpetuate the faith”!! (I love that term … here’s a tribute to a wonderful lady and scholar, the late Dr. Billie Davis, who over the years helped give that phrase deep, rich significance for me”
I read these words from Psalm 78:1-8 that emphasize this wonderful dynamic…
“O my people, listen! … For I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders… He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God!” (New Living Translation)
Our family over the years has had several of those kinds of opportunities during the summer. Perhaps you have a “family reunion” or another gathering scheduled this spring or summer. I don’t know about you, but I want to take maximum advantage of every opportunity God gives our family to tell the stories of His faithfulness and “PERPETUATE THE FAITH!”
Coffee With The Lord 