But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
A few weeks ago, a robin made a nest in one of our flower baskets under our porch. Mama bird carefully chose the best material available and made her nest in a safe spot away from the elements. When she laid three tiny blue eggs, she was there to protect them and give them the warmth they’d need until they hatched. From now on, she’ll only leave the birds when they are ready to fly away. Her attention and diligence are touching and it’s been nice to follow the journey of the baby birds with the kids, even from a distance.
Our summer event inspired me to paint this passage when Joshua spoke to the Israelites and they renewed their covenant with the Lord in Sechem. Joshua reminded them that in terms of living, we actually can narrow it all down to two choices: we either serve God or all the lies this world tries to stick on us. Joshua declared that he had made his choice already and that he would make sure he and his house would serve the God who told him to be strong and courageous and who promised he would never be alone.
Joshua’s choice, my choice, and I hope yours too, it’s not the easiest but it surely is the most rewarding. If you have kids or even grandkids, you know how much patience and effort is involved in caring for them, training them, just like the mama bird. Teaching our kids about God is not about one big event, it’s day by day, one little step after the other, all like small bricks over a strong foundation. May we keep showing up day after day with the right choice, owning our responsibility, and putting everything we’ve got into saying yes to what really matters in the long run.
Have a great week!
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