Stories of Old

Tea parties--one of the ways to teach the girls

I will open my mouth in a parable;
   I will utter dark sayings from of old,
 things that we have heard and known,
   that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
   but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
   and the wonders that he has done. 

Psalm 78:2-4

 Our grandchildren love for us to tell them stories about when we were growing up.  That is their favorite bedtime ritual, along with reading to them and our, "Goodnight...sleep tight...don't let the bedbugs bite...and don't forget to pray!"  I have to admit that sometimes when I am very tired I don't want to tell stories or read to them.  In fact, I have fallen asleep doing both of those!  But in order to develop a lasting relationship with them, that is important.  Another thing they love is to read the stories that I write for them.  Many times I use their names and relate the story to them or a character quality that I want them to learn.  (Haven't done that in awhile.  It's time for a new one!)

Asaph, the writer of Psalm 78, was diligent to tell the things that God had done to his children.  It's interesting that he told not only the wonderful things that God had done, but also the rotten responses of the children of Israel, how they disobeyed the One who delivered them over, and over, and over again.  

I think there are some important lessons to learn from this.   First, we MUST tell our children and grandchildren what God has done through the reading of His Word, through the telling of His mighty acts, both in times past and in our own lives.  How will they know without someone to tell them?  And secondly, we must be willing to share our mistakes, our failings, with these precious ones.  Asaph didn't just tell of the mighty deeds of God Almighty; he told how the Israelites miserably failed so many times.  We are not perfect, and our children know it.  We must be willing to admit it and ask forgiveness so that they have a role model before God.

Do you have regrets?  I do.  There are things I would love to change.  But thank God, we have a Father who is patient and kind, not willing to throw us away after we fail Him, but quick to forgive.  We must teach that also to our children, because they will make mistakes, sin against God and others, and need to know how to ask forgiveness.

On this day when Cupid shines forth, let's remember that, "We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)  and, "No man has greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  (John 15:13)  Our children are those closest to our hearts.  Let us be willing to lay down our comfort for our children, and to tell them of God's wondrous works.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Gloria