Recently this afternoon I was invited to speak at a local church that is growing with a fierce passion for the Lord. Anyone who walks through their doors can feel that the Holy Spirit is definetly alive and thriving in the hearts of many. From the heart gripping teary eyed worship, to the deep rooted and passionate sermon the Holy Spirit played a guiding hand in every step of the way.
The message spoke of Psalm 127; of your children being of arrows and a quiver full is a blessed family. It was said that children of the day are rough arrows; unfabricated, unpolished, raw, real, and moldable. Through maticulous care and patience the arrow goes from raw to perfect.
Again as I am listening the word "encourage" keeps ringing in my ear like a little bug….encourage…..encourage….encourage….What are you saying to me Lord?! It wasn't until I heard the pastor say that parents are responsible for shaping you that I understood what the Lord was meaning with "encourage".
Understanding that my parents are my encouragement; they molded me, fabricated me, polished me, and began shaping me into a truly perfect arrow meant to fly straight and narrow down the path of righteousness. With this thought on my mind I instantly began writing this blog.
I am here to encourage you parents to let go of your children. Let go of them as you would let an arrow fly from a bow. It is no longer in your control to be their everything; for you can not possibly be such for only the Lord can. Much like the elements that effect an arrow in flight the outside world effects your children.
Temptation and sin are everywhere, the only reassuarance I can offer is that if you polished the arrow to be smooth enough it will fly straight enough with little bend. Be there for your children and be a part of their lives, it may not seem as such but I speak the truth when I say "we" are listening, "we" are watching, and "we" are reflecting on the actions you do in our lives. "We" will give you gray hairs and "we" will break your hearts at times but I ask that you encourage your children. Encourage "us" as you would wish to be encouraged in the Lord.
Now for the younger crowd reading this blog I encourage you to encourage your parents. Let them know they are doing right by you and by God. Give thanks and show them that you may not be a perfectly straight arrow but you find yourself needing that little bit of sandpaper and polish to get there and its ok to admit that.
Parents only wish to protect us and whether that is letting us fly from a bow or further polishing us a little more I ask you allow it. Allow the encouragement of your family, of your friends, and of your church be what you need to get straighter of an arrow. Life will always try to deter you from what the Lord has for you, I simply only ask that you reflect and press into what He is telling you is wrong. For if you let go and let God he will show you when you are wrong.
