Prophets of a Future Not Our Own

By Ty Salvant

You have probably heard a version of this reflection several times over your lifetime.

“We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us.”

Every time I read, hear or see a version of this, I am profoundly impacted in a different area of my life.

I recognize that we plant seeds in our marriage ministry work. I know that I am on a journey and no longer expect perfection from myself. No matter how hard I try, no work that I do will fulfill the mission of the church.

My favorite art example comes from people who worked on a part of a project that took centuries to complete.

When you think about the big picture, saying yes to beginning a project that you will not complete is what we do as parents. While we lay a foundation, we do not finish the project. It is not our job – it’s God’s. This provides so much relief. I am not solely responsible for my child’s success or failure.

I needed this reminder today. Sometimes, I feel like I cannot make a misstep in my parenting role because if I do, it will derail my child’s future.

I will not single-handedly ruin my kids. I trust God to finish the picture and pray that I am open to playing what small part he entrusted me to play in their lives.