flourish, don't flounder

this past week we hosted my parents here in Montana for some fun family time, as well as a chance to record my mom...singing and playing the piano.  it was a spectacular time together.  of course, we recorded more than we intended...ie; my dad sang on a couple songs, izzi and i both joined in more than once, we even had props going at one point...all was filmed as well!  it was a sheer joy and pleasure to hear my mom as she was clearly in her element.  she is a genius player, modulating to any and all keys at will, no written music neccesary. its more than a little intimidating, really. 

on the morning of their departure, i was able to spend some time in the Word prior to breakfast and the busyness that packing up and hitting the road demands.  i'm reading through the Psalms and Proverbs continually and the Psalm that i read that day was Psalm 92.  you can imagine my surprise and delight as i read verses 12-15...

"the righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. they will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming 'the LORD is upright! He is my ROCK!, and there is no wickedness in Him.'

as i spent time with my parents, i was reminded yet again (not like i've ever forgotten) what faithful lives of service to the Lord they've lived.  i am overwhelmingly blessed to have been raised by them.  i was moved by this passage for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that, in spite of massive life changes over the last couple of years (mainly my father stepping down as senior pastor after having served as such in a handful of churches for nearly 50 years!!) they have managed to FLOURISH spiritually.  they are a living breathing example of these verses to the rest of us...who are not far behind!!

we have a choice, you know. to flourish or flounder.  we can make choices in our lives that will inevitably lead down one road, or another.  personally, i like what Psalm 1 says...

*don't get advice from people that don't know God 

*don't hang out and spend every waking minute with people that don't believe Jesus and love him

*don't sit around and listen to fools talk nonsense

instead...

*read the Word of God

*memorize the Word of God

*think about the Word of God

and then...

*you will be like a tree that gets plenty of water for its roots

*you will grow

*you will 'bear fruit'

*you will be like the tree in Psalm 92 and STILL bear fruit when you're old!

i'm eternally grateful for the example my parents have set for me... literally.