The fear and joy of what’s next.
As of today it is very likely that we only have 365 days left with our oldest son at home. This week started a milestone school year for him and us: Senior Year. While he may be counting down the days until graduation, I’m counting all of the things I should have taught him already and have one year left to cram them all in. The good news is that even though there are a few things left for him to learn, one thing I don’t have to worry about is the foundations for his relationship with God. Since he was born we have brought him to church, sent him to a Christian Pre-school, taken him to Sunday School, prayed with him at home, and read the Bible together. But I will let you in on a little secret…the most important thing we’ve done to foster his faith in God is…growing in our own faith.
It is difficult to lead someone to a place that you aren’t willing to go yourself. Ever since John was born there hasn’t been a year when I wasn’t involved in a Bible study or small group. These groups have and continue to transform my life. Even after taking Old Testament and New Testament classes in seminary I still learn from others through Bible study about the best ways to apply scripture to my daily life. I can’t say that my example is what influenced John to take his next step several years ago when he was confirmed in the church, but I can say that since then, we’ve had amazing conversations about faith and life that I will always treasure.
I’m not sure what the next steps are as our family transitions to this next phase. But I do know that although John has the example of his family and community, John’s next steps in his faith are his own. My next step in faith is in a Disciple 1 class.What are your next steps? How are you growing in your faith? Who are you encouraging in faith? Pray about your answer and find a community in which to explore your next step together.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 King James Version (KJV)