We had the wonderful privilege to be in CA last week for about 5 days. Our daughter Allison, and our youngest son Logan live in CA right now, so we have made it a priority to be with them whenever we can get time together. While we were in CA our oldest son Marcus proposed to his fiancé Sarah along a beautiful hiking trail in the Smokey Mountains of TN.
As I have been reflecting over the incredible blessings of these family relationships that God has given to us, I thought of the verse from Psalm 127:3, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (NLT version)
Sometimes in the midst of demanding seasons of life we forget that our children are a gift from God and a precious reward to us. “Growing up” always comes with challenges and days that seem like they will never end. Trusting God to work in our lives and our kid’s lives is always a step of faith. We want to be in control and not lose control so we often rush the growing up process. We seek to conform our kids to what we want and don’t lead them in the path or way that fits who they are and need to be. (Proverbs 22:6) But then God does something just right in our lives and in our families that gives us hope, joy, and peace that is beyond our understanding.
I remind you in whatever season of life you are in with your family, to let God do his work and to wait patiently for the outcomes. When the Bible says to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, and in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV), God is simply reminding us that he knows what is best for us and for those within our sphere of influence. I pray that God’s love for you, and the blessing of those that he has rewarded you with, will be an encouragement to keep pressing on as you serve and lead in the place that God has given to you.
Steve Eckert
Care & Outreach Pastor
Steve provides leadership and comprehensive support to all areas of care, outreach, and missions; as he seeks to equip the Calvary family with healthy ministry teams that serve to enhance Calvary’s mission and vision with passion and purpose. Steve is always looking for ways that move our systems in care, missions, and outreach towards greater ministry reach and impact. This often involves networking and partnerships with other services, ministries, and organizations who provide training and equipping that benefit the Calvary family and our community. Steve and his wife Lori have three grown children; Allison, Marcus and Logan. The Eckerts love to travel...especially to see their kids.