Running the Race... for the Next Generation

This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of
Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.
- Patrick Henry
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-dont-in-any-way-follow-football-but.html
I read this excellent blog, as recommended by a friend last week. It's pretty
convicting! The whole theme of the article is about following the Lord with
excellence. About running the race to win and how feeble efforts won't help us
successfully complete the race. In reading the article, I was convicted that
it's not just me that's effected by my poor discipline... what am I demonstrating
to Little Bit? Am I clearly showing that Jesus is worthy of my time, my effort,
my money? Am I demonstrating His love and care for the people around us? our
neighbors? folks at church? his parents?

We still don't know how long we'll have the privilege of raising this little one,
but no matter how long or short the time, he's clearly watching us now. He's very
interested in everything we do - and especially interested in watching everything
we eat :~) So, what is he watching? Does he see "parents" who love the Lord, worship,
treasure the Bible, and help others? If that's the kind of believer I want to be,
and the kind of believer I hope he will be when full grown then it's clear I need
to take my instruction from the Hebrew Sh'ma (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the
LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And
you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you
today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you
are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and
when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear
them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your
gates.