Looking Backward to Lead Forward

Shepherding your family starts with vision. Imagine yourself in the final season of life, sitting in a rocking chair, reflecting on how you’ve led your family. You’ve guided them through life’s hills and valleys, and they have grown strong, faithful, and loving. This vision of your family’s future helps you see the path clearly.

Now, look backward. What changed in your journey? Think of the day you truly committed your life to Christ—a “white funeral” where your old self died, and you were reborn in Him, clothed in His righteousness. This transformation wasn’t just for you but for your family. It allowed you to serve them with humility and grace.

In your rocking chair, you can see how shepherding with love and serving with purpose built a legacy of faith. Now, look forward. What do you see? More moments of transformation in your family—more generations choosing the same path of faith and love.

Application: Today, take a moment to reflect on how your leadership impacts your family. Think of one way you can serve them better this week, whether by listening more, sharing a prayer, or showing an act of kindness. Let this small act of service grow into a legacy of love.

Here is a poem.  It just came to me… and I wrote with litle editing.
Let me know your thoughts:

Dressed in white and oh so bright
this day has come, has come by sight

I died today, and rose with Him
To live a life free from sin

To start this day fresh and new
To lead my family with blessings too

My family lead not to astray
Now with our God, they all will stay

With God I finish here today
Generations baptized, when all will say

Hosanna, Hosanna, Blessed is He
That gave me strength, and set me free