Psalms 127:3-4
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.
Last week Leslie and I turned the page and began another chapter in life. We are now in the “empty nest” stage of life. The last two kids moved out in the same week. In a sense we are excited about what lies ahead. We expect it to be a time of productivity in our work and a lot more flexibility in our free time. We expect it to be a “we-haven’t-lost-our-children-
At the same time I can’t help but wonder how I’ve done as a dad. Are they ready? Can they handle independence? Will they live unselfishly? Will they continue to grow in Christ? Will they be a blessing to those around them?
As I reflect on the past 23 years and 5 months of child-rearing, I know there are things I could have done better as a dad. But something Jim said in a talk a couple of months ago has given me great comfort and hope—“Prayer trumps bad parenting!” If there is anything that Leslie and I have done correctly, it is that we have been consistent in praying for and with our kids. In the past week our intercession for the kids has only intensified.
The arrows are loosed and are in flight. Will they hit the target? Not if it all depends on my skills as a parent. But I am confident that he who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
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.
Last week Leslie and I turned the page and began another chapter in life. We are now in the “empty nest” stage of life. The last two kids moved out in the same week. In a sense we are excited about what lies ahead. We expect it to be a time of productivity in our work and a lot more flexibility in our free time. We expect it to be a “we-haven’t-lost-our-children-
At the same time I can’t help but wonder how I’ve done as a dad. Are they ready? Can they handle independence? Will they live unselfishly? Will they continue to grow in Christ? Will they be a blessing to those around them?
As I reflect on the past 23 years and 5 months of child-rearing, I know there are things I could have done better as a dad. But something Jim said in a talk a couple of months ago has given me great comfort and hope—“Prayer trumps bad parenting!” If there is anything that Leslie and I have done correctly, it is that we have been consistent in praying for and with our kids. In the past week our intercession for the kids has only intensified.
The arrows are loosed and are in flight. Will they hit the target? Not if it all depends on my skills as a parent. But I am confident that he who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
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