Little Miracles

Louis Pasteur said, "When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become." Today I want to talk about the miracle of children. Society today does not recognize children as a miracle, they may recognize them as gifts, but that is about it. Children are often treated like little presents, wrapped up with a bow on top. They are carried around proudly in the beginning just like a new toy the week after Christmas. Mid-February Christmas toys often are set aside and played with from time to time if the child thinks about it. Children are treated much the same way when the novelty wears off and the monotony of everyday life filled with diapers, baby food, and an absurd number of toys sets in.

 Being a parent is not an easy job in an ideal situation. In a world where the ideal situation is almost nonexistent, being a parent is a battlefield (and not because of the kids). This world offers a million and one stumbling blocks, carefully placed on the cracks of parental involvement. So let me say here and now that CHILDREN ARE NOT ACCESSORIES. They are not just the “next step” in life after graduation and marriage.No amount of cute facebook pictures will make up for not investing in the lives of children. When I say invest I mean, get involved. Push your children to be the best possible version of themselves, whatever that may look like.

Children are future adults. They will grow up to be the leaders of tomorrow. It is the job of parents to ensure that each child receives appropriate attention and nurturing for emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. This takes planning and preparation. I believe that prior to marriage couples should discuss child raising to ensure that they are on the same page. I think that couples should begin to pray for their children long before they have them.

Psalm 127: 3-5 says, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” Children are a reward from God, a reward that when properly used are like arrows in a warriors hand. WOW! 

Praying for your kids is important, I pray now for my future children. But what I am coming to realize as I read about Christian parenting is that children are the only thing that we leave behind that matters. My children could offer solace to the hurting, my children could give to the needy, my children could be world changers but most importantly my children will be weapons for the glory of God’s kingdom. We have been given the awesome responsibility of bringing up the next generation of Christians who will witness to the world. That requires so much more than a facebook update about how awesome my kid is, or an instagram picture of my kid in a cute outfit.

C. Everett Koop says, "Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” As Christians we need to be intentional in our interactions with our children to ensure not only their success but to guide them along their path in glorifying the kingdom of God.