You matter
I was part of a conversation this morning during which the talk turned to our influence on the people around us. It has a general application, that is to say, we influence everyone around us, but it has particular application to our family. This is especially true of our children and grandchildren.
Whether or not you are aware of it, you are influencing your children, and if you are at my point in life, your grandchildren. Here is the thing: people (and even children) are like icebergs. What I mean is that just like an iceberg, we see only the surface tip. The bulk of the person lies below the surface. That is why we have to pay attention to the way that we influence people.
In both directions, you matter. You as the influencer and the one who is being influenced. Let me start with the influencers. I am a father. My children are now grown and I wish I could go back and change some things. I did not always behave the way that I should have. My behavior reflected my immaturity, my weakness as a father, and my flawed human nature. That is no excuse. The only Jesus my children have ever seen in the flesh, is the Jesus I was to them (or was not).
You and I have just a small opportunity to show the kind of character that will attract our children, our grandchildren, our spouses, our co-workers, and even those we encounter casually, to the real Jesus. I am afraid that too many people become completely disillusioned by parents who are terrible examples of what a parent should be.
There are too many ministers/pastors whose lives are anything but the kind of example that they preach from the pulpit. Their children see those duplicity and are turned away from the Kingdom of God by the hypocrisy in their own parents.
It is not too late. Start now. Be what you know you should be. Repent of whatever has been hidden for too long. Find forgiveness where you need to find it. Start showing character. Look forward and build something of value.
If you are one of those who has been disillusioned by people who have not lived up to who they need to be or who have abused their relationship with you, learn to forgive. Not for them; for you. You will find that forgiving someone for sins long gone will bring healing to your spirit.
Remember this: you matter. You matter to Him. An old Audrey Meier song says, “your heartaches, your sorrows, He shares, because it matters to Him about you.” No matter the bad relationship that was or even is, remember today that you matter.
