30 Days of Proverbs: November 16th

November 16, 2017

Proverbs 16: Plan Your Life Righteously 

"A grey head is a crown of glory;

It is found in the way of righteousness." 

Proverbs 16:31

Our family is preparing for a season of grief. My husband Matt's grandfather is nearing the end of his earthly life and is awaiting his eternal home and everyone is mourning. 

It's painful. 

Nobody prepares you for facing grief with your kids as a parent.

I've lost all my own grandparents throughout different stages in my life, so I'm well acquainted with the emotions present when you prepare yourself to say goodbye to someone who has been such an integrated part of your own childhood, but I've been sort of taken by surprise at the task of relaying this situation to our own young kids. Especially now, because they are so little.  

They're still just learning about the Foundations of our faith. They're still figuring out Jesus' miracles and The Tower of Babel. They're asking questions about Abraham and Issac, and Rahab's lying and if they're going to be able to have their favorite blankets in Heaven with them. They're growing and learning so much that my heart could burst, but at the same time, there are still so many things left they've got to mature into. 

And death is one of those things. 

This verse reminds me of how blessed I am to be surrounded by such an amazing legacy of faith in our family. All our parents, and all our grandparents have been served faithful, Christian lives. They've grown up and spread the Word and planted their roots deeply in Christ's church and have helped us plant our roots right along there with them. And now, as we are raising our own family, they're leaving their fruit behind as an example for us as we help our kids put down their own roots. 

I'm selfishly thankful for their faithful walk because now, as we tuck our kids into bed at night and have our prayers and devotionals- when we begin to talk to them about death and dying and what that means to families- it has not had to be a sad conversation. Our parents and grandparents personal strength and faith has given us the gift of giving our kids The Happy Ending that comes when a faithful Christian dies. Death is not the end. Jesus has given us His victory over it. What richness that brings to our lives. 

 Now, when we have to talk to them about grief, we are able to tell them it is a sweet beginning to eternity and not a painful, bitter end to their lives here on Earth. We're able to explain to them that a funeral for our Christian loved ones isn't a permanent goodbye but only a temporary farewell. And the joy and relief and peace that leaves our kids with is immeasurable. They're continuing to bless our lives even with their passing. The lessons they grew to teach us will continue to bear fruit for us even after they've left us on this Earth without them. 

And that kind of legacy can only be found "in the way of righteousness". 

Please remember my family in your prayers. And thanks for stopping by~ Katie.