Dear Ones,
Hope you have a purpose-filled day. We have a full day as Al is going to meet with the men and I have exercise class, Craft class, an appointment and Bible Study. We were surprised and blessed yesterday as friends celebrated our Anniversary ahead of time in a beautiful way!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
While at the lake over Labor Day weekend, we had a picnic for three generations of our family all gathered together around the bonfire. I can still remember years ago when my folks were with us by the fire pit but now are home with the Lord. Their desire was that all five of us kids and later our spouses and children and children’s children would know and serve the Lord. Their prayer has become our prayer, as nothing would please us more than to know that each one of our children and spouses and grandchildren (we don’t have great grandchildren yet) would know the Lord in a deep way.
I recently read a devotional from Mark Robers of Fuller Seminary, and he writes about “God’s purpose-Your purpose”. He shared Psalm 71:17-18, “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.”  Al and I are in the 4th quarter of our lives, and we want to leave a legacy for the future for our children and grandchildren. But even though we gave them our former house and property and hope to have $ left for them when we leave this earth, we desire most of all to leave a spiritual legacy behind.
Roberts wrote that if we want to live with purpose in our later years, we need to pay attention to our generativity. He describes generativity as a deep desire to leave a legacy for the future of excellence, example, empowerment and encouragement. Webster Dictionary defines generativity as “a need to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the next generation.” If you are grandparents like us, you will likely be in touch with your generativity also.  We certainly did not give our grandkids a peace-filled world, and they will need spiritual guidance and strength as they face the future. May we pass on to them all that we have received from the Lord so they can also pass it on.
Challenge for today: Take time to be with your children and grandchildren and use it as a time to proclaim God’s wondrous deeds!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy