Generation After Generation

Yesterday our ninth grandchild was baptized. For part of the service I held Sarah Marie as she slept. I longed to see her open eyes as I imagined her future. My husband Steve stepped to the front of the sanctuary as it was time for him to give a charge to the dad, our son Josh and the mom, our daughter-in-law Karin. He held Sarah as he baptized her" in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit."

What had happened over the years to lead to this day? Steve had baptized all four of our children, Karin and now all nine of our grandchildren. I recently read an account I wrote when my son this now mature dad of six was growing into the man I see before me.


Josh came to us one day with a request. He was no older than twelve. " I want to have a serious talk with you soon."
Both of us pulled him towards us and onto a nearby chair. "What's it about?" we asked.

Josh continued to stare into space as he struggled to put his concerns into words. "I'm afraid of dying." he said.

Steve lovingly asked him about his faith in Christ and shared his own fear of death and his faith and hope in Christ. Steve spoke from his heart as the tears flowed.

"Sometimes I cry when I think about losing my grandparents." Josh added.

Steve's eyes filled as he thought about the inevitable ending to his parents lives. "You two are related I can tell." I said as I looked at Josh's wet cheeks and I then looked at Steve's.

Thanks be to God that the halting faith of this young boy has grown as he seeks to honor God in His family.

And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant to be God to you and your offspring after you.

Genesis 17:7

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