Family Guy – 04 March 2008
I’ve been thinking alot lately about life and my purpose in it ... friends tell me its an early start to my midlife crisis; I call it wanting to better understand God’s plan and purpose as a husband, father and in my role here at Focus on the Family.
And to be honest, its actually not that easy ... the hills and valleys of life can batter you a bit. One thing that always seems to stand out is things of eternal value.
Dr James Dobson, in his book, Straight Talk to Men says,
If we really grasped the brevity of our lives on this earth we would surely be motivated to invest ourselves into eternal values. Would a 50 year old man pursue an adulterous affair if he knew how quickly he would stand before his God? Would a woman make herself sick from in-law conflict or other petty frustrations if she knew how little time was left to her? Would men and women devote their pursuit of wealth and symbols of status if they realized how soon their possessions would be torn from their trembling hands? It is the illusion of permanence , you see, that distorts our perception and shapes our selfish behavior. When eternal values come in view our greatest desire is to please the Lord and influence as many of our loved ones for him as possible.
I’m learning what I believe many of us parents discover far too late in life, that if we really understood the eternal investment we are called to make into the lives of our kids – opening their eys and hearts to Jesus Christ – we would very quickly change some of the priorities in our lives today.
Back to Dr Dobson, and his book, Straight Talk to Men,
I urge you to keep this eternal perspective in view as you race through the days of your lives. Don’t permit yourselves to be discouraged with the responsibilities of parenting. Yes, it is an exhausting and difficult assignment and there are times when you will feel like throwing in the towel. But I beg you to stay on course. Get on your knees before the Lord and ask for His strength and wisdom. Finish the job to which He has called you. There is no more important task in living”
May the Lord bless and Keep you in your parenting and your marriage, and I’ll catch you next week, with more from the Family Guy.
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