Sitting in church this morning, I was struck by Dr. James Dobson’s message on building and leaving a family legacy. As he talked about praying for our children and our children’s children, I caught myself in a habit I’ve often battled: I’m dreaming too small and limiting God. Here’s the thing–I’ve been feeling good about praying for Henry every night as I put him down to sleep (and often during the day as I feed him or while we play)…but my prayers are perhaps too simple. I ask regularly for Henry’s protection and health, for his night’s sleep and the day ahead. I pray that God will be present in Henry’s life, and that he’ll come to know Christ and desire the presence of the Holy Spirit. In a way, I thought I was covering all of the bases. But what about Henry’s children? And their children after that? And what about the woman he’ll someday marry, or the profession he’ll be called to, or the temptations he’ll face? I’ve prayed about these things on occasion, but not on a daily basis; As his mom, isn’t that my job?

It’s easy to see Henry’s needs as a baby right now and to pray to their end. And it’s easy to know my own fears and reservations as a new mom and to pray about them as well. But it takes more thought and consideration to cover all of the things that Henry will encounter. Eventually. Yet they all matter and they’re all a part of my responsibility to lift to our ever-so-responsive and attentive God.

This dreaming bigger concept applies to much of my life in its current state. At this juncture, having exited the first few blurring months of parenting with a little more sleep under my belt and a little more sanity these days, I’m starting to realize all of the loose ends I’d like to gather as we move into another season. The trajectory of my life–of our family, depends on the level of intentionality I apply to everything I do. This is no small charge, and nothing I can simply tackle on my own. In order to live well–with purpose and direction and integrity, I absolutely have to lean humbly on God. As Dr. Dobson reiterated today,

Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it; [Psalm 127.1]

As I go to bed tonight, I am reminded of the significance of my role as wife and mother to the men in this household, to future children…as grandmother and great-grandmother to generations yet unborn. I don’t ever want to regret the missed opportunity to pray things into being–especially for the family that God has entrusted to me for a time. Thus, I am leaning on a most powerful God for far more than I would ever be able to accomplish of my own volition…

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. [1 Cor 15.58]

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. [Eph. 3.20-21]

eyes wide open,

mm