Great Generation

My Grandpa (aka Pappy) was part of The Great Generation who made it through the Great Depression and fought in WWII to save our nation from those seeking to destroy our way of life. I’ve had the privilege to hear him tell stories and to see how He lived. I know why that generation was called the Great Generation. They lived off the land and lived out the values that made this country great. I have always been fascinated with the historical events of that era and the people who built their lives in the middle of such challenges.

I am now two generations removed, but I am still grateful for the privilege of knowing my Pappy and learning so many things from Him. He left an indelible mark on my heart. My grandmother (Mammie), his wife was spiritually deep and she lived out her faith every day. I can remember seeing the Bible that she read each day. Here gentle spirit could become very firm while still being gentle. I’m so thankful for the privilege of having known my grand parents.

I believe it’s important that we study history and learn from it or we will absolutely repeat the mistakes that we’ve made. The people of Israel are loosing their way because there’s a whole generation who don’t know the history of how the Lord lead them. Check this out…

10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10 NIV)

This passage really made me stop and think about my life and how I live.

I want to pursue the heart of God as long as I live.

I want my life to display the character of God as long as I live.

I want to remember what it was like to be lost.

I want to remember what it felt like when I first felt His Grace.

I want to remember how faithful He is even when I’m not.

I want generations who come after me to follow Him whole-heartedly.

I need His help to daily live out what I believe.

I need His help to grow my faith every day.

I need His help to grow in my love and patience for others.

I would love for my life to be noticed by generations after me as a man who pursued the heart of God all the days of my life. Each choice I make today affects how I’m seen in the years following me. The priority is my heart-work NOT my behavior. As I surrender my heart to Him each day, my behavior will follow.

Pressing On!

Dwayne