God gives us glimpses of things that are to come for many reasons. As parents, one of those reasons is so that we can speak these truths over our children so they can recognize and achieve the plans He has for them. This is my revelation. The room was large and crowded, but it was quiet. An air of eager anticipation was shared. When James walked in, all eyes moved to him. A big man, his physical presence got attention. But these people had not come to see him. It was his message they awaited. From the easy way he entered, the manner he casually situated himself in their front and center, it was clear that James had done this many times before. His reputation preceded him as a man carefully prepared, nothing had been unplanned. He came today to offer them a revelation. There would be no call to follow him, no agenda of action that must be achieved. Everyone here had come to learn the truth. As James stood facing the room, he looked out at the individual faces studying them – their age, current emotions, etc – intending to know their dreams. All of this accounted for, he adjusted his message accordingly for maximum effect. With a deep breath, he began to speak. James – I don’t know what any of this means. I don’t know the path He has planned for you. I believe in the vision, what there is of it. I will remove every barrier, support every cause, and pray without ceasing that it comes to pass. Being a parent is a strange thing. You want the best for your children but aren’t given a revelation of what that is. You want to prepare them, but you don’t know their calling. This much we know:
Love God
Follow his commands
Walk in faith without fear
Seek relationship with him.
Train yourself for the work that comes so that you will be ready.
I see Erin as a giant oak tree. A tree that has grown over decades with deep roots and broad spreading branches. It is a tree famous to those who live around it for its beauty and what it represents. The tree has weathered life’s storms and the occasional broken branch bears witness to what it has survived. Through each spring’s growth, each summer’s heat, the fall of autumn and blanket of winter, the tree has rooted deeper, becoming one with where it was planted. The tree looks to God for the sun and rain and the nutrients it needs to grow. It doesn’t worry about these things. Through faith, they are delivered. The tree has all kinds of animals that seek it for shelter. Because of its strength and reach, it is able to provide for others. The tree doesn’t see what it does as giving, it merely passes along the benefits of the blessings it has received. Those that live there enjoy the comfort of its shelter, the community within and the benefit of the tree’s endurance. The tree watches over those that live there and gives wise counsel. It doesn’t judge those who don’t listen, whose foolish plans will soon play out. Rather, this tree gives its best to each one and watches over them tenderly. Through the years the tree’s roots have grown deep, able to find water even during the tough years. Although it makes thriving look easy, years of effort were required. The wisdom and beauty of the tree grow with every year that passes. Generations recall the joys they’ve shared resting, playing and dreaming there. The tree is the treasure of the community, representing a simple life well-lived and well-rewarded. All of God’s true blessings are shared there – shade from the unrelenting sun, renewal of energy from peace, and rest. There are many trees in this place. Some are older, some are taller, each is different. This tree’s fame is due to being grown through love, patience and acceptance, all shared freely. I love the tree, which will be here long after I am gone. I will tell its stories and encourage others to love it as I do. Everyone, young or old, rich or poor, alone or in groups, remembers the tree fondly and looks to the day they can share it again. Erin – I see in you all these things and more. A great life stretches in front of you. Hardships and trials will shape you, but God’s light shines brightly in you and the truths learned will benefit you and others. Grow well and you will change generations.
