They are Watching

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Sitting before her computer, she hits the magnifier button to see her screen. Closing her eyes, she recalls her childhood memories. She remembers the robust victory garden shared by her neighbors. Ripened, red, tomatoes hang from the vine ready for harvest by her young hand. The blue sky overhead shows no signs of the war raging in Europe and the Pacific. As she opened her eyes, the screen transformed, and the words flowed onto her document.

My mom loves to write. She studied journalism in college and dreamed of publishing. Life intervened and she didn’t get her degree. She married my dad, followed by five daughters in the first ten years, her busy life crowded out this passion from her youth. Occasionally she wrote for the church or spoke at an event, but it wasn’t the focus of her life.

In her eighties that desire to write resurfaced. Macular degeneration impaired her vision, but she joined a writing group anyway. Although it took her a couple of years, she completed her memoirs. We now have a treasured account of her life. This is the example I follow.

My dad passed away twelve years ago. After fifty-seven years of marriage, Mom now lived alone. Like many widows, she faced life decisions alone for the first time in over half a century. She chose to model a life of grace and flexibility for her daughters.

Quick-witted, her humor fills the room as laughter spills from her companions. She is beloved by her family, which includes sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each morning, she nestles into her favorite chair and prays for each one, by name, with unconditional love.  She lives her life to its fullest. I still want to be her when I grow up.

A vibrant life inspires us to live well and sets an example for others. I want to encourage others around me to follow my mom’s example. However, I am also free to be my imperfect, authentic self.

The younger people around us watch how we approach life. They observe our attitude and our actions. What do they see when they look at each of us?

Are you ready to set an example that equips the next generation to embrace life? No matter your age, continue to pursue the abundant life Jesus promises. They are watching.