Prior to Christmas, I began reading through the book of Luke. I didn’t even make it past the first chapter when my eyes read over a verse that pierced my heart and has since convicted me daily:
“And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).
The angel Gabriel is prophesying to Zechariah about the son whom he will father, yet when I read those words, every time I re-read them, I hear him speaking to me.
“to turn the hearts of the parents to their children”
I live my life for my children, and I sacrifice, but I also gripe daily, yearning for some time to hide away in a corner and read a book. Yearning for the day when I don’t immediately go from their prolonged bedtime to mine. Yearning for an hour to clean the bathrooms and then wondering what the heck is wrong with me that my dream is to clean bathrooms?
Where is my heart turned? Toward them or me?
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In case you missed it, this week’s journey is on peace. Come link up on Friday with your own post on this theme.
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
Oh, what a deep and needed thought from something I’ve never noticed in reading that verse. I will definitely take this to heart… Thank you!
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I hadn't noticed it before, either, but those verses stood out and hit me this time. I don't know if the angel Gabriel's message to Zechariah meant how I'm interpreting it, but, nonetheless, I feel like God is speaking to me.
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Thank you for that reminder Jennifer! I loved it (and needed it 🙂 SY
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You're welcome! I am memorizing this verse because I need it, too.
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Your children will remember your devotion to them and the effort you make to be a good parent.
Keep it up!
Love
Dad
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Thanks, Dad. I'm trying!
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I think it's OK to be frustrated and angry. It's what we do in those circumstances that either points to God or our flesh. It looks from the outside like God is using these worldly responsibilities to make you wise for the purpose of sharing that wisdom with others. Thanks for your honest, obedient heart.
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I, agree with you, Floyd. When I first starting writing after Chloe was born, I found writing to serve as my release. However, other moms started to tell me that they were struggling through the same issues. I know that some don't agree with how much I share (not my husband, thankfully), but I know others can comfort from reading that they are not alone in their struggles, especially regarding parenting and faith trials.
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You, Jennifer, were so instrumental in turning our hearts. And, as i’ve said before ,your writing helps so many moms and dads. It is always reassuring to others that they are not alone in their struggles. This is the gift God gave you to share with His body of believers and non-believers. Your words are seeds planted in some and assurance to others. You are a great mom!
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Jennifer what a great post. What a verse…but it's true…we need to turn our hearts toward our children, not just drag them along behind our busyness and plans, as spectators. But really focus on them. On days that I want to leave PBS Kids running all day, then go hide in my closet, I stop and think, "this is for such a short time, then, I will miss them so badly…" So I embrace (try my hardest) these moments.
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