As I think back on the days when I was parenting two young children, I often think of the different types of conversations we would have. It might have been in the car as we were running errands or going to a baseball game. Don remembers the fishing trips that he and our son would take and his description of their conversations would go something like this … ‘the minute we backed out of the drive-way, Jason started talking and didn’t quit talking until we were on the way home and he had fallen asleep.’

As parents we tried really hard to keep the lines of communication open with both of our kids. We wanted to be the first to know what had happened when they spent time with their friends. We wanted to hear all about the experiences they had whether on the sports field or playing Barbie dolls with the girls across the street.

Yet, one of my biggest regrets though was the fact that I could easily shut my kids out too. They would be talking along and, even though I looked like I was listening, I really wasn’t. Did I make promises to them that I never fulfilled? Did I say no to things that I shouldn’t have? Those are things that I can’t redo but if you asked either our son or daughter if they felt slighted or didn’t have 100% of my attention, I don’t think they would answer yes.

God didn’t create me and bring me into this world to fend for myself. And He doesn’t want you to have to fend for yourself either. He gives breath, hope and closeness with Him throughout every moment of every day. And for your journey and my journey, His promises are just that – promises. He gives His Word as a lifeline to knowing His thoughts and ways on how to live so that we have a good life and one that glorifies Him. He is our Helper and Protector, Redeemer and Savior, and through Him we have everlasting life. All praise and glory to Him! “Because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” - II Peter 1:4 (NLT)

Prayer: Lord, Your promises are truth and light for me! I rejoice that I can claim each and everyone for myself and my life. You are almighty, You are love, and I praise You from my heart for your goodness to me and all humankind. Amen.”

– Linda Totman