Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (ESV)

It is always a joy to be with family after a long absence. For many years, I have been settled, living on my own. My large family keeps in touch, except for a few who have become distanced for whatever reasons.

A recent family get-together opened my eyes to the blessings that God has provided for the four generations, aged 3 to 84. I was given a place to sit on a comfortable chair in the living room where a pleasant visit took place, with both children and adults present.

I learned of the talents that many had, and the youngsters showed their creations from pieces of plastic. There were music lessons to be taken, school to attend, jobs to go to. It was a busy house with comings and goings. A video was shown of a tenth-year anniversary of marriage and another of a holiday trip to Nova Scotia, showing a clip of the largest whale in the world. I felt so blessed looking around me and silently praised God for all His benefits to my family.

How did all this come about? On one level, it came by working long years in a demanding job to be able to purchase a home, a car, and commodities — material things — to have space available to enjoy family get-togethers in, and to break bread together around the dinner table.

On another level, it came about because my eyes have seen the blessing of God on this house, where this Bible verse is true: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15b ESV) I was humbled to know that our house is known as one where life is lived unto the Lord daily, in work and in pleasure, where hospitality is practiced naturally, and compassion with loving discipline is a daily occurrence.

In my memory, I travelled years back to where our efforts first began to make the best of every situation. In our weaknesses and strengths and in our attempts to be God's servants, the fruit of His Spirit became evident and needed.

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (ESV)

I am blessed to have a family that follows the faith in God's beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who took on human nature and carried our sin to the cross of Calvary. He bled and died a brutal death, but rose again from death to life to give us a new beginning through Him.

I encourage my readers to make a similar investment in their own families, because, although the rewards are so long-term, they are so worthwhile!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing the next generations with faith and sustaining them through life into life eternal. Your blessings are not of this world, and they will guard us from the enticements of this world through Christ Jesus. Your blessings light our way. We have a treasure in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer! Thank You, in Jesus' name! Amen.

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About the author:

Kirsti Sipila <kirstiksipila@hotmail.com>
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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