Fast Childhood

I've been reflecting the past couple days on my childhood. I think I have an idea why this has transpired... most likely the sometimes surreal realization of just how quickly life passes, as if we were going slower than the posted limit in the far right lane.

A comedian from my childhood, had a story in his act of getting his tonsils taken out as a kid. He remarks that when you're 5 yrs old and your life passes before you, it's pitiful. There really isn't that much of a life to pass before you.

I was kinda surprised, as I reflected, what memories came to mind from days gone by. Moments I wish were different, odd moments, that some would question how or I why one would remember "that, of all things". Be that as it may, whether you have a 5-yr old sitting next to you as you read this, or you are 50, life is indeed short.

The moments and the memories you are create when you are 50 should be and are meant to be cherished, The same goes for the kid who will one day look back and remember being just 5 years old.

For times with my family, for the times with friends, for the teachers who spoke life to me, for the pastors who imparted God's Word and wisdom, for the lessons I've learned from those who didn't care that I was around or maybe would rather I wasn't....

Where would I be, had I not known all this time that God has a plan and purpose for every person born. He had a plan long before that, even.

It makes me consider all the more... what will my kids remember. Life is too short to mess up your kids by failing as a parent.
There's a lot that I mess up, granted, but as Steve Martin says in his character Tom Baker in the movie Cheaper By The Dozen,

"If I screw up raising my kids, nothing I achieve will matter much."

I need God's help to raise Godly kids. Godly family that will help me when I fail. Godly friends who will support and encourage me when I'm frustrated and watching the advancement of gray hair as I stand at the mirror. And I need pastors and teachers who will help me, do what they helped my parents do.... build a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime... however quickly or slowly it may pass.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for pastors and teachers, as they play a vital role in helping to instill a solid foundation of faith in the hearts and lives of today's youth. May they not be discouraged by the distractions that call for kids attention, in hopes of robbing their soul. Pray that parents and pastors would model a life of faith and Godliness that helps kids understand, we do not have to go through life alone. May kids today know and understand that God indeed has a great plan and a meaningful purpose for their lives, to walk daily with God, to experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May we forever be, lives changed for eternity. Whether we are 5 or 50. Whether we quickly fade away or live to see our children's children... may we leave a legacy that honors the work of God in our hearts and minds. For today. For tomorrow.
For His glory.

- PNC

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