Tip of My Iceberg

Having just recently returned from Pennsylvania, where I helped my son and daughter-in-law harvest some of their grapes, I was impressed by how their four boys participated in the effort to the best of their ability. The three big boys helped pick for a bit; the youngest scampered around enjoying all the family that was there helping with the harvest.

This is also the month locally where people participate in raising funds for pediatric cancer. Dr. Colby, who grew up in Mifflinburg, began ThinkBig, which runs during September. The money is raised, not for cancer research, but to help the families who have children who are suffering, providing funds for housing, food, or to help with mortgages if parents have to quit work to help their children. This is an act of love the whole county gets behind.

My grandsons wanted to participate, so when their parents had an event at their winery to raise money for the fund, they decided to make mocktails for those who didn’t choose the wine. All proceeds went to ThinkBig. They named themselves the Bubbly Bros, connecting them to what their parents do. The boys learned gracious giving from their folks.

Their family dynamic has always been characterized by a strong sense of helping others. They live in a small, close-knit town where people are aware of one another’s needs and step in to help meet them.

Families often leave lasting legacies. What is experienced at home, what children see their parents doing consistently, is often how they will act when they are adults. If parents have given their children a sense of purpose and responsibility, the kids may want to follow in their parents’ footsteps once they’ve grown. It’s why you see generations of doctors, lawyers, or ministers in families. The younger generation had caught a vision for the great work that could be done by watching their parents in action.

The Bible speaks of the value of sharing the truth of God within the family. The way parents act and treat their children will inform how the children will grow in character and responsibility. The family unit was where the formation of character began. God told Moses: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Values are taught; if parents don’t take responsibility for that, children will grow to value what they read on their screens and see on TikTok.

Not every child has a healthy family dynamic. This is one reason Jesus redefined the idea of family. As He worked in His ministry, He was asked about His family. “Pointing to His disciples, He said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’” Matthew 12:49-50. All those who believe and follow Jesus are a spiritual family. United in heart in faith and living cooperatively in faithfulness. It’s the foundation of encouragement and hope for those who know Jesus.

The Bubbly Bros have grown to value the idea of helping others from their mom and dad. Their character is being shaped by the love and responsibility of their parents.

Those who choose to know Jesus are shaped by His love and the unity of those believers around them. Their character is defined by the love, hope, and forgiveness of Jesus.

What values have you chosen for yourself?