May
25
Written by:
Dennis Atwood
5/25/2010 2:21 PM
I’m off to
St. Louis this week to officiate a wedding for a couple of kids who were 7 or 8 years old when I came to be their new pastor over 14 years ago in Webster Groves, Missouri. For the past seven years I have lived halfway across the country while they survived their youth group, high school and college years. Now they are ready to launch into a lifetime together. You never know what might happen when you go to church and actually stick with it. For these two promising young adults, it all goes back to their parents who faithfully led them to a small Baptist church, dug in their heels week after week, and stuck with a particular community of God’s people.
These two great families, and dear friends, have given their children something very unique and special. Besides nurturing them in a Baptist Christian congregation and introducing them to faith in Jesus Christ, they will now be in-laws and get to share the journey of their son and daughter (and grandchildren?) for the rest of their lives. How cool is that?
While this is a pretty awesome story, it makes me feel old. Also while on our trip this week, my rising senior (and first born son) will be visiting Washington University as he engages in the decision making process about college next year.
Life is moving at a fast rate of speed. So parents, make sure that you are placing your children in a position NOW that will serve them well for a lifetime as an adult. That includes family time, encouraging their education and the development of their potential AND faithful spiritual formation in a local church. One thing’s for sure… there are no do-overs. So make it count now.