A Motivating Factor ~
Growing up in an environment where non-church attendance
isn't an option, much of one's beliefs may be based upon other's
faith (wherein one either leans upon the faith of another or was
not considered mature enough to make those choices). Their daily
schedule is generally more structured, also.
Young adults are familiar with struggles of being finally
'on their own', free to sleep whenever they feel like it (as long
as they make it to work). Suddenly, choices and consequences
become theirs.
They begin deciding what they believe, the life style they
will choose, the importance of regular church attendance, and
many more things. Likely, before they get it all figured out,
children come along.
Whether late night socials or babies stealing one's sleep,
they can often relate to the 'pitch it out the window' Sunday
morning alarm clock à finding that, though they desire to do
good, evil is present. Still believing in God, they're left
feeling guilty whenever they fail to measure up or miss a church
service.
What helped me most during those early years was a statement
I remembered from childhood, "How can you say you love your
children if you don't care about their souls?"
It's a motivating factor to make sure one's children have every
opportunity possible to learn about God.
And, though we may still occasionally dread the alarm clock,
in time one's faith becomes their own. Then, there's no place
we'd rather be than in God's house.
® by Joyce C. Lock
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips;
I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary
food, Job 23:12.
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About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.
