This week my son and daughter-in-law announced that they are expecting their first child. This means that I will be a grandpa for the first time! Why is it that this is one of the statements that you never forget? When I think about my life, there are four decisions or statements that stand out for me:
When I accepted Jesus as my Savior.
When Beth, my wife, said “I DO”.
When I found out that I was going to be a dad (three times).
When I found out I am going to be grandpa! Hopefully many times!
When I think about these events in my life, where are three things that stand out to me:
First, they are all about relationships. Truly the relationships in our lives are the most important things and the things that really matter and that stand out to me.
Second, none of them are about the jobs I have had in my life. Work is important and it provides the income you need to provide for your needs, but it is not the thing that is significant in my life.
Third, none of them are about things. I could buy all the gadgets and toys in the world, but they would not stand out as an event that I remember or look forward to. In many respects they are just distractions that take me away from the relationships that really matter.
If these things are true for you, what are you doing to strengthen the relationships in your life? Have you told the people in your life how important they are to you and what they mean to you? Have you spent time talking to God and listening for His direction in your life? Do you need to make some changes, maybe spend less time working or playing with your toys and more time talking with your spouse, children and God?
There are always things in our past we wish we would have done differently, maybe putting more emphasis on the relationships that are really important. But there is nothing stopping you from making relationships a priority today. Try to be more intentional at being more involved and engaged with those that really matter, including the time you spend with God.