Why do some parents look at their children and see potential – while others see only pests?  Why do some parents call their children blessings while others consider them burdens?

Is your parenting purposeful? When you look at your three year old, what do you see?  Do you see any glimpse of the greatness that God designed into him?  Do you see a person of impact?  A soul God designed to make this world a better place?  Do you dream big dreams for your children and wonder how large their sphere of influence will be?  Or do you see a being of wants and needs that you have to satisfy?

Do you believe that God made YOUR child for a purpose?  Are you seeking God as to the best means to develop all that your child can be – you doing your part as He does His?  Or are you going through your days looking forward to being done each day and finally done with all the parenting so you can get back to “your life”?

Are you seeking to be the best you, letting God develop you as you understand it is your shoulders on which your child will stand?  Are you modeling greatness?  Are you exhibiting the character traits you hope to develop in your children?  Or are you seeking your own goals while purchasing entertainment to keep your kids out of your hair?

Children are not something we “have” – children are a blessing that God gives to us.  If He does not grant them, they do not come – regardless of all the measures we may take.  I believe our society has lost view of this truth.  I have seen parents show off their newborn in the same manner they show off their new car or boat. I am not kidding!  There is no awe, no wonder that God would entrust them with such a tiny perfect being.  No terror at the responsibility they have just incurred at being privileged enough to be granted a role in developing this tiny perfect being made in God’s image.  How must God look at that?

The years we have to influence our children are so very small.  Are we using them in the best way?  Are we making the most of each day, pouring ourselves into our children to the point of exhaustion?  Are we teaching courage, conviction, and self-control?    Do we model kindness, patience, and peaceful living?  Are we building thankfulness and humility into them? Are we teaching them to put others first, do what is right because it is right, and always take up for the underdog?  Are we living before them a life of joy that comes from knowing Christ and a life of faith that takes risks and trusts God completely?

Do we look into the future – to see our child at 16, 18, 25, 30?  Do we imagine what we hope to see walk in our door?  Have we set a path to get there?  Or are we letting each day happen as it comes – dealing with each challenge that presents itself in the quickest possible manner to get back to what we were doing?  Are our children our focus?  Or our foible?  Are they the object of our prayers at night and our thoughts in the morning?  Do we plan tomorrow thinking of how we can build into them and influence them for right – or do we plan tomorrow on worldly goals, seeking our own pleasure?

I know children are exhausting; we have 8.  I know laundry and dishes and cleaning are tiresome and never done.  I know after refereeing so many disagreements you just want peace.  I know you wonder what you ever did with all your time before kids.  But I also know that each child is a precious gift from God. I know that each child has a place in this world that God designed that child for.  I know that God entrusts us imperfect parents to guide this child along – or is it so He can guide us?  And I know that the time with each child flies all too quickly. Make the most of it!  Don’t let your child walk out the door without you having done your best, given your all, sweated, toiled, prayed, agonized, and cried.

I assure you it is worth all the trouble.  I assure you your efforts will not go unnoticed or unrewarded.  Let go of yourself and pour you out for your children.  Looking not to their thankfulness or appreciation (tho that will come) but looking to the God who gave you such beautiful gifts and seeking only His approval.  Know at the end of each day that you did your best, you gave your all, you took your responsibility seriously.  You will never be enough or do enough – God does not expect that you will. He does expect you to do your best – and He can fill in any lack.  But don’t slack off on this, your greatest assignment.

I believe you know the truth in your heart. I believe the burden lays heavy.  Sometimes too heavy as we do not see a clear path.  Don’t stop, don’t give in to lethargy.  Keep pressing on. Keep reading, keep seeking, keep praying, keep believing.  Keep giving, keep training, keep saying no, keep saying yes, keep building memories, keep hugging, keep going.  Make your family your focus.  Make your children your chosen profession.  You will never be sorry.  You will never regret.

Don't you see that children are GOD's best gift?

the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?  

Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.   Oh, how blessed are you

parents, with your quivers full of children! 

     Psalm 127:3-5 Msg