From One Generation to Another

Our Sunday School class had talked last week about the spiritual benefits of keeping a journal. Talk turned to letters and journals that some in the class have from family members passed down through the years and what a blessing they are. I got to thinking about my own parents and grandchildren and that I have many letters and a couple of my mother's journals from years past, but I don't have anything written by my dad.

So yesterday was my Dad's 91st birthday, and I gave him a devotional journal with a letter tucked inside. I began: Happy 91st birthday, Dad! I've been thinking about your life and faith and how God has been faithful to you through these many years. I've also been thinking how Elijah and Anna and Daniel could be encouraged by your example as they would learn how God has been faithful.... As they grow older they will face difficulties and challenges, as you have, and I'm sure that knowing how God has been faithful to Grandpa would be an encouragement to them as they face similar times....  

I know that whatever Dad may write in his journal will be a blessing to those who will read and ponder its pages. And his words will be treasured for generations to come.

One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4

Being Intentional in Spiritual Disciplines

I've been inattentive to my blog for too long now, over a month, but at the start of a class on Spiritual Disciplines yesterday at church, I was reminded of my word for 2017 — intentional — and have been drawn back to capturing and journaling some thoughts once again. Reigning in my thoughts, thinking them through, and in some form or fashion making them coherent (if even only to myself) has been an effective vehicle over the years for recognizing God's hand in my life and being drawn to Him.

I'm sure I'll be sharing percolating thoughts here over the next few weeks as the class progresses. A friend and I are planning to meet routinely and discuss the chapter readings with one another. That should provide more food for thought. As the teacher pointed out, one of the catalysts for spiritual growth and change is the people in our lives. "Iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17).  Encouraging each other on, offering suggestions and a bit of a nudge.

Or, as was mentioned in class, having or being that little piece of sandpaper. Ah, but that's often the rub, isn't it? Having the rough edges sanded off is often not so pleasant. No, but we can be confident that He who began a good work in us will bring it to pass. The process can be braved with the result in mind. So, directing my heart Upward and Homeward, I sojourn and journal on—intentionally.

Illustration ~ Yes or No 1905, Charles Dana Gibson 1867-1944 CC 2.0