Generational Blessing

As disappointing as it may sound, there is only so much one can accomplish during his/her time of the generational chain of history. There is a myth that claims if one works hard enough one can be and do anything he/she puts his/her mind to. There are too many examples of hard work and honest pursuit that has lead to unfulfilled goals. What if it were true that the context that the previous generation provides sets the parameters for the present segment of history? The sky is not the limit, only up to the ceiling that was left. Maybe the ceiling is lofty or maybe it is dwarfed. Either way, its concrete and not predetermined if one will reach it. The significance and meaning of one's life does not lie in individual accomplishments and milestones exclusively. These noteworthy pieces of achievement are very important to the limited view of the individual but to see what God sees would be mind blowing. These individual achievements would look very small considering the divine plan for the universe and its entire history.

What can one really know for sure about their life and how it fits generationally? Choices matter and relationships are indispensable and should be clung to tightly. Knowing full well that life is much too complicated most of the time to consider anything other that the decisions of the day; it helps to consider the big picture, especially during those times of doubt, fear, or uncertainty. Making decisions with the long term in mind does not sound fun and most definitely not simple. The patterns of having many questions and few answers leaves one discontent and unfulfilled. In the depths of sorrow and failure, contentment is possible. Review the characters and lessons of the past; see what was left to continue and learn the boundaries of individual purpose and mission. Use that foundation to make choices that will encourage growth and an expansion of those boundaries. Get excited for the future, anticipating those in front will grab tightly onto the baton and run with exuberance toward the next scene in the great story. The story that is being told is important, first, because it is personal. There is ownership naturally attached to one's story. One's experiences and reactions to life that surrounds can never be sanely disputed and discredited. Circumstances are real and cannot be stolen away.

Secondly, the story is important because it fits into a bigger, eternal story. Here is where a greater sense of contentment comes. Doing one's best with max effort and pure heart is the absolute best that can be done. What is the sense in comparing it to what others have done or are doing? Is this where contentment in life gets lost? An eternal story is being told, and God is the author. God is presenting this story through generational patterns shaped by individual choices. In the end, if allowed, contentment will surely be felt and known despite the disappointment of today.

And God spoke all these words: 'I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.' (Exodus 20:1-6)