Generations of Faith

GENERATIONS OF FAITH I love to see a child’s faith and hear him as he prays; It’s such a blessing to be still and hear all that he says. I shed a tear as there he stands to quote a poem or verse That he has spent so many hours to practice and rehearse. I thrill to see the teenager who stands up straight and tall And says, “I’m going to serve the Lord and give to Him my all!” I’m proud and glad as one goes on to college or career Determined that he’ll live for God without a doubt or fear. It blesses me to see a man take for himself a bride And says by faith he’ll stay with her and keep her at his side. The faith of proud new parents as you bring your baby there To dedicate him to the Lord with a determined prayer Has always made me shed a tear as I with them will pray That God will help them raise that child in holy, righteous ways. But the one faith I honor most is that of those whose hair Is touched by frost of aging years and still trust in God’s care. For in your faith I realize most that through each passing year From infancy to teenage days to wedding time so dear, From parenthood and family, to years of fast decline you’ve seen the hand of God in all and never did repine. So as I’ve watched you, precious friends, your faith has said to me That God is ever true and good, however old we be. I know I’m growing fast as well, and as years quickly flee It is so hard to realize that soon your age I’ll see. But I’ve tried to watch the faith that spans each generation’s time, And I’ve tried from each to glean enough to make it part of mine. And I just felt you’d like to know that your faith’s had a part Among the faith of other folks who’ve been close to my heart. May you continue in that faith that I’ve admired and seen For others, too, are watching you, from you your faith to glean.