Live Long Enough

Do those words resonate with you?

What is it that you want to live long enough to see or to do? Quite a few years back the term “bucket list” became popular. Maybe you have one. Has it changed through the years?

As I was reading the Psalms this morning this is what I read. Somehow, it seems appropriate for this Mother’s Day weekend.

“How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.

May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!” Psalm 128 NLT

I will share the last verse of this Psalm from Contemporary English Version (CEV).

May you live long enough to see your grandchildren. Let’s pray for peace in Israel!” Psalm 128:6 CEV

Live long enough.

Long enough to be an influence in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Live long enough to impact them by our relationship with the Lord and live long enough to lead them to faith and encourage them to have their own personal relationship with the Father.

“I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith.” II Timothy 1:5 ERV

Timothy was a young preacher, a protege of the Apostle Paul. Paul gave honor to his mother and grandmother who had been influential in Timothy’s life of faith.

I cherish the time with our grandchildren. Some are grown and others are just starting out. We even have one great granddaughter. There is nothing so sweet as holding them in my arms, praying with them and praying over them.

It’s just as sweet as when the phone rings or a text comes in that says “Mom I need you to pray”.

We have prayed for each one of them, children, grandchildren plus greats, since the day we knew they were conceived. Praying for their protection and health; praying for them to know God.

“You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! 15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb. 16 You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing.” Psalm 139:13-16 ERV

My maternal grandfather had the nick name of “Preacher”. I never met him; he died the day I was born but my mother and grandmother both told me that he prayed for me when he knew my mom was pregnant. I feel that was his legacy to me.

May we live long enough to impart God’s unconditional love to those we cherish and hold most dear!