“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Last night Katie and I were treated to a royal gathering. The royal guests included my daughter and her family, and my nephew and his. Three couples, 3 Princes and 1 Princess (all 4 and under) shared play, dinner, discussion, royal history and advice. Though not advertised, the theme of the evening could easily have been called ‘Raisin’ Royalty!’
I haven’t seen my nephew for several years, since his living in California prohibits backyard get togethers. Being Family, we all shared a history that goes even BEYOND his lifetime. I shared stories about his dad while they all filled me in on the joys and challenges of being young parents! With kids playing in the pool and running around us, THEY were the obvious focus of attention. Which is the way it’s supposed to be.
Having spent the morning at the hospital and on phone calls and texts with MY sheep (the Church), I realized that life is am ever-learning and recalling experience. When I reached down to pick up the baby, my brain IMMEDIATELY went into recall mode! “Support his neck! Hold him so any sudden move won’t cause him to flop out of your arms! HE CAN’T WALK YET so DON’T STAND HIM UP! Beware of projectile vomit!”
I got away with all of them except the latter. Holding him tight, he kept jumping up and down… then threw up on my legs! What would be horrifying if an adult was humorous with a baby. Why? Because that’s what babies do! As we actively sat there, it was no surprise to me that the conversion was predominately on how to effectively raise great children! Being Christians…that means ROYALTY!
As Believers in Christ, we are destined to rule and reign with Him in Glory. What happens HERE is literally Spiritual Training. Unfortunately, and far too often, God’s kids expect GOD to do most of the work…as if by magic. It’s apparent by the kinds of requests I get. “Please pray that __________ gets healed, _________ gets a job, ________ gets relief from pain and ________’s life gets better or saved.” As a kind of spiritual dad, it becomes MY duty to explain THEIR role in the process. And it’s ALWAYS WORK!
I think that we are all children and all parents at the same time. Always learning, recalling, encouraging and cleaning up vomit or poop (yes both happened last night)! But I have to remind myself that when I was born into His family, the position came with expectations and responsibilities. The older I get, the bigger they are! But after seeing my nephew and all the parents last night, I KNOW they are all going to be JUST FINE!
So…..how old are YOU?
