I enjoyed having my daughter and son-in-law visit last week. They always help me with certain tasks that need to be done around the house. My daughter helped me do some more of my “cleaning out” of things, mostly in my kitchen; asking, “Do I need this, when did I use it last, will I ever use it again?” What a difference in my cupboards! But then we had boxes of photo albums and framed pictures (not just my own but those of my in-laws) that we went through. “Do you know these people? Where and when was that taken?” More questions. The way they were dressed, the farm equipment they used, bare-footed kids playing and running around – we’d call it all “old fashioned” today. And though I didn’t know many of them, they are a part of my family, generations ago, and who knows, through those genes, what kind of influence they have played in my life?

So, here I am; now the “older generation.” One day there will be those asking very similar questions when I’m gone. But for now. I can enjoy pictures of my three children when they were young, playing outside, going camping and fishing and seeing how they grew, participating in school activities. I can enjoy pictures of their graduations, weddings, birth of their children and now “their” grandchildren (my great grandchildren – 11 to date!)

Is my family perfect? Obviously not! But my prayer for my own family and for yours is that no matter what differences there are, or will be in the future, that they will each remember we are family, and family sticks together no matter what. No harsh feelings or differences are worth hanging on to. We need to remember how gracious and forgiving our God has been to us and exercise the same grace to our family members. Let’s leave a godly example to all those who are following after us.

Time doesn’t stand still; life is a vapor. Sooner or later we each become part of that older generation. I pray that each of you and your family are treasuring your time together. Don’t let Satan spoil relationships. Then, when those coming after you “look back in time” they can smile and say, “Yes, that’s my family” with joy and thankfulness in their heart, with absolutely no regrets.