"The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him." Proverbs 23:24 NIV
Regardless of age, we never stop being parents if we have children. We desire the very best for them and never stop thinking about their physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare. We pray that they exercise wisdom in all things and lead pure and honest lives. Much like the apostle John, who found no greater joy than knowing his children walked in truth, as stated in 3 John 1:4, we too can experience profound happiness when we witness our loved ones living in the light of wisdom and righteousness.
As I watch our sons navigate the complexities of adulthood, I am filled with a sense of awe and pride. Each challenge they face, whether the pursuit of education, the beginnings of a career, or the complexities of relationships, becomes a testament to their resilience and growth.
Their big or small accomplishments resonate with a sense of shared victory. It’s not just their success but a reflection of the values and lessons we’ve instilled in them over the years. The laughter and celebrations accompanying their triumphs echo the love and support that has been the foundation of our family.
Yet, this joy is not without its pangs of nostalgia, for with each step they take forward, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of time. The little boys who once clung to our hands with trustful eyes are now young men, carving their own paths. But even as they forge ahead, the invisible threads of our bond remain unbroken, and the joy of their journey becomes a cherished chapter in the ongoing story of our family.
God must feel the same way. He must rejoice when we strive to live righteously because we take his word and Jesus' example to heart. We are demonstrating the working of the Holy Spirit within us. As his children, we desire his approval and want to make him happy. We hope to hear these words paraphrased from Matthew 3:17: “This is my child, whom I love; with them, I am well pleased.”
Godly parents, encourage open conversations about faith with your children. Share stories of how God has been present in your life, especially during challenging times. Discuss the lessons learned and the strengths gained from these experiences. Teach them to see God’s hand in their daily lives and to recognize His guidance and blessings. Most importantly, make it a habit to pray, not only for the present but also for the future challenges and joys that life will bring to them and their families.
Parenting can be expanded beyond the traditional roles to include anyone who provides guidance, support, and care. These are some other types of parenting.
Mentorship: those who invest time and wisdom into the young lives of others, nurturing their personal and professional growth.
Teaching: those who go beyond the curriculum to instill values, inspire curiosity, and foster critical thinking in their students.
Spiritual Leadership: the spiritual leaders who guide their communities in faith and provide counsel during life’s pivotal moments.
Community Support: the community volunteers who create safe spaces for youth and offer support and opportunities for development.
Caregiving: the caregivers who provide for the physical and emotional needs of those who cannot care for themselves.
Coaching: the coaches and instructors who push individuals to achieve their best, teaching discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Advocacy: the advocates who fight for the rights and well-being of children and young adults, often giving them a voice when they have none.
All these diverse forms of “parenting” contribute to nurturing and shaping the next generation, regardless of whether they have biological, adopted, or foster children.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the precious lives You have entrusted to us. As we guide our children through the complexities of life, we ask for Your wisdom to be our compass and Your word to be our map. May we be vessels of Your love, sharing with our children the countless ways You have supported us and teaching them to seek Your presence in every circumstance. We entrust our children and their future families into Your loving care, knowing You are with them in every joy and trial. Bless our family with unity, love, and a steadfast spirit to face life’s challenges with faith. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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