Counterfeit: Parenting — Friday
Psalm 127:5
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. (NIV)
When our oldest daughter was 2, we adopted our son and not long after, I realized I was pregnant again. Our son battled some health issues during his first year and at the same time, I was struggling through a very tough pregnancy. He and I took turns being in the hospital so much of that year is a blur.
Fast forward a bit and we took in a friend’s son for the better part of a year. That meant we had a 1-year-old, a 2-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a 4-year-old. Our house was small and it was full! Full of toys, and laundry, and diapers, and dishes, and dirt. Full of laughter, and tears, and joy, and fear. Any way you looked at it we were full, but goodness were we blessed!
Every season as a parent has had its blessings and its challenges. When the challenges seem to be overpowering the blessings, it is good to remember that God sees our children as blessings that also challenge us with the goal of sanctifying us and making us look more like Jesus.
Often, the world doesn’t value children like God does and our culture sometimes tells us they are a burden. But God says the opposite. The Bible says in Psalm 127:4-5 “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
Did you know, the average quiver held up to 60 arrows?! God probably doesn’t want everyone to have 60 kids, but He does want you to see a full home as a blessing, not as a burden. This can be a challenge, yes, but one worth taking on in the eyes of God.
Nothing in my life has made me pray more or caused me to put my money where my mouth is more than parenting! I have had countless opportunities to walk out my faith, not just talk about it. Every day is a day with new opportunities to grow and be an example to my children and any other children God has placed in my life.
Friday’s Reflection
No matter what stage of life or parenting you are in, you have a role to play in the body of Christ. If you would like more information about investing in the next generation at Southland by serving in our Children's or Student Ministries check out these volunteer opportunities.