Reflections...

by Debi Baker

"6 Train up a child in the way he should go, 
And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

"40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,

filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."

Luke 2:40 NLT

I've been reflecting a lot lately; reflecting on my children and grandchildren.  Why?  Well, probably because my 19 y/o granddaughter will be leaving for college in the fall.  My 17 y/o grandson will be finishing his senior year in December and my 2nd granddaughter turned 16 y/o a little more than a week ago.  I love my babies so much and they have grown up far too quickly!!

It seems like just yesterday that we brought our own precious children home from the hospital.  It's been far longer than yesterday!  So long, in fact, that our 4 wonderful babies have brought home a total of 12, yes, 12, babies of their own.  While our oldest is 19 and college bound, our youngest just turned 1!  I love each and every one of them so much.

The 1st verse above, found in Proverbs 22:6, is often quoted by parents whose children have taken a wrong turn somewhere in their life.  The 2nd verse is obviously talking about the birth of Christ.  However, because of my reflective mood, I am choosing to apply both verses to my granddaughter heading to college, to my grandson who graduates in December, to the remaining 10 beautiful and amazing grandbabies whom God has blessed me with.

I watch my precious girl...who has become an amazing woman of God...and I see so much promise for her future!  She is outgoing and vibrant and she loves the Lord with her whole heart!  I see my grandson working at my husband's business becoming a man!  I can see God in his life even though he doesn't see it yet.  I see my sweet 16 y/o girl loving life and living for the Lord with complete abandon.  I could continue on with each of the remaining 10, but I want to convey the reason for today's verses.  

It is vitally important for us to raise our children in a Godly fashion.  The Word promises that if we do, they will follow that path in their later life.  It does not guarantee that they won't stray; it simply promises that they will return to Him IF they stray.  That 2nd verse above, the one about the birth of Jesus...is the outcome of training our children in a Godly way.  When we follow God's way of raising our children, they will grow to become strong Christians and they will have the grace of God on their life.

I am so thankful that God is faithful and His word is true!  As a parent of 4 children, I have clung to the promise in Proverbs 22:6.  But I have also watched God grow my children and have seen them become faithful to Him.  And now I am seeing God grow their children, my precious grandchildren, and they are becoming a new and faithful generation for Him!

Stand on the promises of God.  They are true and amen!!  Have a fabulous day!