The Spring is upon us. And as the cliche goes, so comes renewal.
The better part of the last 4 months have been very fast paced. Kate is in her internship in Bloomfield Hills and I'm at school full-time. Emma's getting near the end of her 1st grade year and Carter is ending his time in preschool. I wonder how many families can say that all four members are in school, all at various levels, all at the same time?
Carter and I listen to a variety of things either on the radio or on CD on the may in to school each day. Since Christmas we've been listening to a CD that Kate made for us: Immanuel Praise Music. It is a compilation of songs that our church, Immanuel Lutheran in Macomb, uses throughout the year. The little man and I have our own favorites. He loves the song "I am a friend of God". Mine is "God of Wonders". We sing them together on the way in and the way from school. Its fulfilling to see him and hear him - whether he knows it or not- with Jesus at his side and in his heart.
This past week, we received our copy of The Lutheran Witness. It is a publication that is sent out by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (the governing body that our church belongs to). A prominent article this time is called "Faith, Culture and Youth". I encourage you all to read it. This paragraph in particular stood out to me as troubling: "Postmodernism has, in many ways, led youth, while wanting to keep up religious appearances, to think about God and religion in a unique and ambivalent way. Survey responses indicate they largely see God as a distant being. They may acknowledge that He created the universe in one way or another. He can intervene in human affairs, and even be reached through prayer. Yet, He mostly remains aloof and disinterested. Also, according to this worldview, the highest goal in life for humans is happiness. This, along with being nice and kind, is what defines a moral person. And since morality is found in all religions, this view puts most if not all religions on an equal footing."
Kate and I have made every effort we can possibly make within the past year, to keep our family focused on Jesus. In the not-to-distant past, Emma and Carter fit into this post-modern role that is described above. God was distant. Jesus was an idea. They knew the words, but didn't - our couldn't - grasp what He is. But what has transpired over the last 13 months is nothing short of a miracle in my eyes.
Emma brings her Bible to church every single week. When we find the readings for the week in our Bible, we immediately help her find it in hers. She reads along with us. When Pastors Mike or Greg are delivering their message, she listens intently. When we get home, she asks questions. When we put them to bed each night, they thank Jesus for all that has happened during the day.
Jesus isn't so distant anymore. He's becoming a friend that they can talk to. It goes without saying that the last 2 years have been tough for them. They've had to deal with a lot of anger and frustration. But they are learning to know that there is someone far greater and more powerful than any fear that they can devise. They know that Jesus is there for them. That He walks with them throughout the day. That he comforts their minds and fills their hearts when they need him.
I just finished reading Max Lucado's latest book, Fearless. I highly recommend it. Kate's reading it now. While I am fearful of many things for Emma and Carter as they grow up, the one thing I am not fearful of is that they will lose Jesus in their life. They have found Him.
Follow this link to The Lutheran Witness:
http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPagex.asp?ContentID=746&IssueID=43
