Thankful Thought #6 - Children

I am so thankful for children!

Many times when I’m snuggling my little 1 yr old in my lap, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to God that He thought up the whole idea of children. I mean, really, He could have just decided to create everyone already grown up, like Adam & Eve. He thought it would be best this way, and I am so glad He did!

Children are such a gift to us! It is good to be a family and to care for and nurture our little ones and raise them up for the Lord. It is good to enjoy laughing with them, to watch them grow and comfort them in their sorrows. They bless our lives, challenge us and make US grow.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 18: 3-6 -

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little
children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the
greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name
welcomes Me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones
who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have
a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned
in the depths of the sea.”

God certainly values children greatly! If only our world today would value them the same way! Instead, children are many times thought of almost as another of our many possessions - something that WE want…to satisfy US, rather than realizing that they are unique creations of God, (just as we are) and not just an object that WE decide to have to make us happy. Certainly they DO make us happy, and that is good, but that is not their reason for existence - they are worth so much more.

Alright, I’m off of my soapbox! (for now!)

I love watching my children as they are examining a flower or an ant, thinking through a math problem, or creating something artistic! I love seeing my children grow up from totally dependent infants into confident toddlers, who want to “do it myself, mama!” I love seeing them master reading and writing and riding their bike without the training wheels! I love hearing them tell me of the things that are most important to them, or the funny joke that they read in a book. I love rejoicing with them as they get their first job, and observing their spiritual growth in the Lord. I love seeing them become responsible God-honoring adults with their own personality and gifts for impacting their world.

Children are precious. They show us what’s important in life - slowing down to study that ant, and trusting someone (or Someone) to care for them without doubting - and just being joyous over the little gifts life brings on a daily basis!

I know this is long, but it is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I will leave you with a verse from Psalms 127: 3-5 (one of our favorites around here!)

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.”

Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful gift of children!

Blessings,
Nancy