The Next Generation of Salt and Light

It's so easy to worry about our kids. I'm not wild about what our current culture practices.  It concerns me that these practices are effecting the next generation, Caleb's generation.  These little ones are all learning from us.  When I look at us, I am not that impressed.

Will Caleb find friends that are being raised to know God, to hear God and to follow God?  Will he find a wife that puts Him first, that seeks Him in all her ways? 

Couple these questions with my general observations and things don't look too promising.

BUT

There are shining lights.  The salt of the earth has not lost its saltiness. (Matt 5:13-16)  I'm learning to focus on those beautiful examples.  I get emails from close friends, sharing their news of a growing family and I think "Praise God."  There is a child that will learn well from his (or her) parents.  The light in Caleb's generation is growing. Does that sound a bit selfish?  Hopefully it just shows that I recognize the need for His people.  Those who rely on His wisdom are needed in our businesses and our government, in our classes and on our playgrounds, and certainly to take on the role of mother and father. 

These moms and dads will not just be a treasured gift to their children as they serve.  They are a treasured gift to fellow parents as they serve.  I am so grateful that there are many moms and dads who are truly seeking God in how they raise their kids.  I see them teaching God's Word to their children when [they] sit at home and when [they] walk along the road, when [they] lie down and when [they] get up (Deut 11:19).  They are teaching me by the way they interact with their own kids, how they instill His Word in them, and how they seek His help through prayer. 

These things have been on my mind a lot in the past months.  I have heard from many close friends who are expecting their own little ones.  Women who truly seek Him, who live their lives for Him, who aren't perfect, but place their imperfections in His hands.  These women are beautiful mothers. They will be beautiful mothers. They have chosen husbands who will be wonderful fathers. Their little ones (and future little ones) will be blessed beyond measure.  I am thrilled for them, excited along with them, and so so grateful for them. 
 
And my son will be blessed because of them.   This world will be blessed because of them.
 
So there is no need to worry.  I present my petition to God and He answers every time.  He is shaping and preparing a multitude of parents.  He is raising a generation of little ones that will know His name and even more, they will know Him. Caleb will have friends, family that knows He is real. 

There are so many reasons to become the salt and light of the earth.
 
I so hope that I am shining His light all my life, of course for Caleb's sake, but also for the sake of others.  So that their children can have a good friend in Caleb or maybe so that a girl out there can have a good help-mate in Caleb, so this next generation can know that He is.

Thank you moms, thank you dads, thank you grandparents who let your light shine before men.  [I have seen] your good deeds and [I] praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)