Good morning to all our Women Anchored in Hope!
Today, I find myself at a bit of a loss for words. Turning 50 has given me pause to reflect on my life—my marriage, the moments I stumbled, and the moments I stood strong. Reaching this milestone has me looking back at both the times I got things wrong and the times I got them right. I can’t help but think about how long it’s been since our home was filled with the presence of our children. How quickly the years pass!
As I reflect, I find great comfort in knowing that I can lay all of my mistakes ‘big and small’ at the foot of the cross. There is such peace in knowing that God’s grace covers every misstep. It doesn’t matter how perfectly we try to express ourselves, or how carefully we try to avoid mistakes. The truth is, we’ve all made them. But what I’m learning, what’s becoming clearer as the years go by, is that the true measure of our growth and faith lies in what we choose to do with those mistakes after they happen.
Do we let them define us, or do we give them over to God, trusting Him to use even our failures for good? That’s where the real transformation takes place—when we surrender, learn, and press forward with renewed hope and grace. This brings me to our topic today – ‘Building a Legacy of Love.’
Marriage is a sacred bond, a reflection of Christ’s love for the church, and within this bond lies the heart of your family. If you’re a married couple with young children, now is the time to turn to God—before the hurt, the conflicts, and the struggles of marriage leave scars on the little hearts under your care.
Marriage is not just a legal contract; it is a covenant that reflects Christ’s love for the church. Within this bond lies the heart of your family, nurturing and shaping the lives of your children. For couples with young children, this is an essential time to lean into God together.
How do we lean into God?
- Turning to God means prioritizing prayer and seeking His guidance in every aspect of your relationship. It involves opening your hearts to each other and Him, inviting His presence into your home. This can look like setting aside dedicated time for prayer as a couple, reading Scripture together, or attending church services as a family. When you intentionally seek God, you create a strong foundation that will help you navigate the challenges of life together.
- It also means being proactive in addressing conflicts before they escalate. By communicating openly and honestly, you model healthy conflict resolution for your children, teaching them that it’s okay to disagree, but it’s essential to approach those disagreements with love and respect.
- Consider creating a program that strengthens your bond and the family unit. This might include family devotionals, sharing gratitude during dinner, or having regular date nights to maintain that connection as a couple. These moments foster an environment of love, security, and stability, allowing your children to flourish emotionally and spiritually.
Remember, it’s during the small, everyday moments that you can cultivate a deep sense of belonging and love within your family. When you turn to God before the hurt and struggles arise, you create a protective covering for your children and spouse. This proactive approach prevents the scars that can come from unresolved conflicts, showing your children the beauty of grace and forgiveness.
In every challenge and triumph, let your marriage be a testament to God’s love, guiding your children to understand that through Him, healing and hope are always within reach. By building your relationship on a foundation of faith, you not only strengthen your bond as a couple but also equip your family to weather the storms of life together, anchored in hope and love.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1
It’s easy to believe that children are too young to understand or that they aren’t affected by the struggles you face. But even in their innocence, they sense more than we realize. They see the tension in your words, the distance in your body language, and the cracks in the foundation of your love. Though they may not understand it now, the seeds of hurt and confusion are often planted in those silent moments of conflict.
But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to change the story. God’s grace is abundant, and He invites you to turn to Him now, to restore your marriage before your children have to carry the weight of its brokenness. As parents, the greatest gift you can give your children is the example of a Christ-centered, grace-filled marriage.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” —Psalm 127:1
Invite God into your marriage. With Christ you can build a foundation of love, forgiveness, and patience that your children can witness and carry into their own lives. When they see you turn to God in conflict, they’ll learn to do the same. When they see you forgive each other, they’ll understand the power of grace. When they see you love deeply, even when it’s hard, they’ll know that love isn’t fleeting—it’s rooted in Christ.
Your marriage is not just about the two of you—it’s about the legacy of love and faith you’re building for your children. Let them grow up in a home where Christ’s love shines brightly, where conflict is met with grace, and where forgiveness is offered freely.
Turn to God now. Lay down the pride, the hurt, and the burdens you’ve carried. Allow Him to heal what’s broken and strengthen what’s weak. Your marriage can be a place where love, joy, and peace abound, not only for you but for the little ones who are learning about life, love, and God through you.
Heavenly Father, we come to You, recognizing the weight of our marriage and its impact on our young children. Lord, we thank You for the gift of our family and the precious little lives that look to us for guidance and love. We confess that in our struggles, we have sometimes lost sight of Your grace and mercy.
Please help us to remember that our actions speak louder than words. May our marriage reflect the love of Christ, teaching our children about forgiveness, compassion, and the power of grace. Father, we ask for Your healing in the areas where we have hurt one another. Soften our hearts and help us to lay down our pride. Teach us to communicate with love and understanding, and to resolve our conflicts in a way that honours You. Guide us to turn to You in every moment—during the good times and the challenging ones.
Let our home be a sanctuary of peace, joy, and love, where our children can grow and thrive. May they witness our commitment to one another and learn to build their relationships on the foundation of Your truth. Lord, we invite Your Spirit into our marriage. Strengthen our bond and help us to model the kind of love that brings healing and hope. We want our children to carry forward the lessons of Your love, not the scars of our struggles.
Thank You for Your promise to be with us, to guide us, and to restore what is broken. We trust in Your power to transform our hearts and our marriage.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
So today, wherever you are, whatever you’ve faced or are facing, know that we all walk this path of grace and redemption together. Let’s continue to lay it all before YHWH, trusting His power to bring beauty out of even our messiest moments.
