Our power and influence as parents, not only affects the destiny of the nation, but future generations. God not only sees the present generation, but future generations. He also wants us to have this mindset. He wants us to live our lives in the context of future generations.

Hebrews 7:9,10 says "Levi.... paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him." Levi was Abraham's great-grandson. We would have thought that Levi wasn't even a twinkle in Abraham's eye. He was most probably not even thought of. But God already knew about him as though he was already alive. God sees future generations.

It's so easy to get bogged down with the grind of daily activities in the home, isn't it? There can be times when you feel you are stuck in the mire with no hope of accomplishing anything. Yes, the practical and physical labor of mothering can be wearying, but it is our attitude toward homemaking and mothering that imprisons or frees us. It is how we value our task as a mother that determines whether we will be depressed or joyful.

LONG TERM VISION

I believe it is important for us to get a long-term vision of our divine calling of parenthood. It is often hard to feel that you are accomplishing very much staying at home - changing 'nappies' or 'diapers', wiping noses, cooking meals and daily training little children. It is important to see beyond the frustrations of your every day tasks and look ahead. You are not only training children for today, but for the future. Your influence is powerful and far-reaching. As you diligently teach God's ways to your children, you are establishing principles and guidelines for future generations.

God's ultimate plan is for godly generations. He has commanded each generation to pass on His ways and His laws to the next generation. Psalm 145:4 says, "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."

God does not want us to think of parenting this generation only. He wants us to live our lives in the light of past and future generations. When God spoke to His people, the children of Israel, He reminded them of their roots and their past heritage. He said, "I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." But as He reminded them of their roots in revealing His name, He also gave them a vision of the future! He continually stated, "It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings."

God's words are for all generations. They are never out of date. Psalm 105:8 says, "He has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations."