During Advent, we are seeing how “A Legacy of Faith” includes not only close family members but a multitude of people from all walks of life. I hope these thoughts are stirring gratitude in you for those who have impacted your life.
One tends to think of parents instructing their children, but our children can also teach us surprising lessons about faith.
My daughter used to attend a women’s Bible study on the gospel of John. It was her turn to teach the week they studied John 17. As she walked to the front of the class, Prisca reached for her cell phone and began to dial. She stood in front of the class and ignored the other women while she spoke into the phone.
“Dad, I’ll be coming home soon.” (pause)
“Yes, I have finished the work you gave me to do.” (pause)
“It’s going to be hard to leave my friends here. We have grown close. Dad, they listen to me and trust me.” (pause)
Prisca’s audience became restless, but she continued her imaginary conversation.
“I’d like them to one day come to our home and stay with me.” (pause)
“Thanks, Dad, for making that possible. I know you love them too.”
Slowly, it dawned on the women that Prisca was not being rude but paraphrasing Jesus’ words in the chapter of John. His prayer was his “phone call” home to the Father. And Prisca’s lesson reminded me that my prayers too are conversations with my Father.
What have you learned from a nephew or niece, a friend’s child, or even a student in your class? The lessons we learn from children are often simple truths. Psalm 8:2 says, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”
