Planting Trees

A couple of weeks ago a young couple (and they do look young to us now!!) presented their baby for dedication. Those of us who have participated in such a ceremony know that the dedication is, however, a Parent Dedication.

Pastor Felber's challenge that morning was a call to plant shade trees. He suggested that parents (and I see this as extending to grandparents) need to plant at least three kinds of shade trees in our children's lives. These are:

• The truth of God's Word. He pointed out that to plant this kind of tree: (Ps. 119:105 & Deut. 6)

1. --We need to be consistent in our personal devotions.


2. --We need to be consistent in family devotions.


3. --We need to be consistent in teaching God's Word to our children.

• The discipline to do right. (Prov. 23:14,15)

1. --We must practice discipleship (modeling and training)


2. --We must teach them to obey immediately and happily. (Eph. 6:1-3)


3. --We must help them learn to honor and respect others. (Mark 12:30,31)

• The right atmosphere in which to learn. (Col. 3:21)

1. --In order to do this, we must win their heart.

a. We dare not embitter them by changing the rules of the game constantly so that they become disheartened. ("lose heart") This would cause them to have a listless, moody, sullen frame of mind.

b. The twig is to be bent into shape and it must be done with caution, lest we break it.

2. --We are responsible for our own attitude. It must be just as good as that which we demand from our children.

He concluded by challenging us to consider what kind of shade we will provide, and how we will shape the little twigs that are our responsibility.

Though my children are all grown and on their own, I had to think seriously about what this meant to me as a grandfather and a role model. A huge challenge indeed!!