By guest blogger, Jennifer Rhodes…….

Who on earth has found a love that is purer and more devoted than that of a good father or a mother?  Recently, our son gave me a plaque that contained the sweetest words describing a mother.  As I self-reflect, I find many characteristics that are repeated from generation to generation.  There are times that my actions mimic my mother and grandmothers.  When I give to my children and there is nothing left to give, or when I feel I am over-giving I think of my mom.  My mother has the gift of giving.  She is self-less and gives from a genuine heart.  In moments where I am high energy and loving life I think of my mother’s mother.  She found joy in the simplest things such as wearing red lipsticks and talking with anyone in her company.  My father’s mother taught me to kneel and believe God for anything I asked Him for.  As I pray over and teach Godly principals to my children I think of her.  This grandmother provided a legacy of faith that I pass on.  My father and grandfathers possess qualities just as genuine as those mentioned above.  I see my dad’s characteristics in myself just as often.  His confidence and love of life echo in my actions daily.  My grandfather’s social interactions and giving heart are still ever displayed in his actions.  I’m reminded of my mother’s father as I pour myself a cup of coffee and relax in my home.  He also enjoyed the simplest things in life.

I see generational characteristics as I reflect over my own actions.  I ask myself, what characteristics do I see of my Heavenly Father?  Do I see more of Him than I do myself? What characteristics of His are reflected in my daily living?  Scripture points out, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” [Ps. 27:10]  This scripture is not to negate the role of father and mother but to focus us on the importance of understanding God’s role in our lives.  This God, our God, created every facet of our being.  He knows how many hairs are on our head.  He placed the stars in the sky and divided the day from the night.  He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.  I love the scriptures that teach we are more important than creation.  Our Heavenly Father values us beyond what our mortal minds can conceive.  He alone holds the future in the palm of His hands.  We can rest securely knowing that nothing is beyond the Master’s reach.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?  I hope to not only see the image of my earthly father but my Heavenly Father as well.