Train Them Up
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
One of the biggest and most challenging jobs I have ever had is one of a parent. There are no days off or sick days – it’s 24/7. It is also the most rewarding job I have ever had. I always wanted to be a mom. The day my firstborn was placed in my arms, I felt like I had arrived at my destination. Nothing else has felt so right than being a parent. However, many times throughout parenting my children, I felt like a complete failure.
A verse I clung to when my kids were little was Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” My kids are all two years apart in age. When they were many days of weariness when they were little. But this verse got me through all the battles of the will and frustrations of motherhood.
I knew that I had 18 years of direct influence in their lives. Looking back, it is true what they say, the moments go slow, but the years go fast. Every day served as a training ground for when they grew up. Again, there were many things we did wrong – many things we would have done differently if we could. But one thing we got right. Teaching our children Jesus and training them how to hear God’s voice for themselves.
Proverbs 22:6 and Galatians 6:9 are precious promises from God for parents. If we don’t grow weary in doing good, we will reap the harvest of adult children who love and serve God. Amen?
Dear Lord, thank you for my children. Guide me in training them to love and serve You with all of their hearts. Amen.