It’s a week full of excitement at our house this week. We had loads of fun celebrating my husband yesterday for Father’s Day. Tomorrow, it’s my son’s birthday, and to round it off, my daughter’s long-awaited graduation is this weekend.
With all this activity, I’ve actually found myself wondering where did the time go? I mean, it seemed like just yesterday that I was praying over each unborn baby by name and thanking God for what He impressed upon my heart about each of them. We had learned how to use a car seat, a sterilizer, a baby monitor, and every other gadget we found at Babies R Us. The next thing you know our house went from being stocked with diapers to Goldfish and then, Legos. Eventually, our living room was transformed into a life-size fort and every wall became a space to display artwork. I began driving a mini-van which became a second home as I shuttled kids here, there, and everywhere for play dates and activities. And now … with music blasting from their rooms, my three all look so grown up with my oldest getting ready for college, my son sporting a beard, and my youngest striding by with her long locks of hair.
In between tears, temper tantrums, and hard conversations, there has been a lot of hugs, laughter, and teachable moments. Truly these are days I will always treasure in my heart.
What a privilege to be entrusted with these gifts from the Lord, to see them grow and mature into who God is calling each one to be. I have literally sat back in awe as I have watched my oldest bless the socks off of people with her generous gifts, as I have read the wonderful words of encouragement my son writes to others, and as I have observed my youngest be warm and welcoming to any child who she interacts with. What an honor, that we as parents have, to be in the front-row seat to the unfolding of the Lord’s plans for these children in His perfect time.
In Luke chapter 2, we read how Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths” (verse 7). As she was visited by angels and shepherds and they shared what was revealed about Jesus, we read how she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (verse 19). They nurtured Him, taught Him, and by the end of the chapter, we see how Jesus had grown and was missing to Mary and Joseph’s surprise. But they found Him in the temple surrounded by teachers who were “amazed at His understanding” (verse 47) “and when his parents saw Him, they were astonished” (verse 48). Mary and Joseph were faithful stewards of the precious gift they were entrusted with until it was time for Jesus to launch into the ministry He was purposed to accomplish on earth.
Their lives serve as an example to all of us in the journey of parenthood. It’s easy to “despise the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10). But may our minds and hearts be reminded of James 1:17 that “Every good and perfect gift is from above”. As we care for our gifts and teach them, may we see each one blossom and bloom for His glory. As Steven Furtick said, we are raising our kids to change the world.
Dear Friend, the Lord knew that you had what was needed to raise your children. Ask for His help every moment to steward each of your gifts well. Remember to treasure these days.
~Joyce
