5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“But Laban said to him, ‘If I have found favor with you, stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.’ … So Jacob said to him, ‘You know how I have served you and how your herds have fared with me. For you had very little before I came, but now your wealth has increased. The LORD has blessed you because of me. And now, when will I also do something for my own family?’”
Genesis 30:27, 29-30 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
When each of our three sons was born and we brought them home from the hospital, I distinctly remember looking at their frail bodies and feeling that I was their protector. In fact, I already loved them so much that I would have laid down my life for those little helpless babies.
Now, I’m in a different stage of life. Two of our sons are in college and are living about 800 miles northwest of where I am writing this. By in large, my wife’s and my job of parenting is mostly done. Now, we continue to enjoy the relationship and provide encouragement and counsel when asked.
But one thing I can’t help but realize. God entrusted those helpless little babies to us a couple of decades ago. What those boys are now has a whole lot to do with how we parented them. Sure, there’s a boatload of incredible memories but there are also moments that make me cringe. I know all too well that I was and am an imperfect parent. That’s one of the many reasons why I am so grateful for God’s grace that has overruled some of my deficiencies and propensities.
Parent, there are a lot of kids who are going to be horribly messed up as adults. Some of them are raised in broken homes. Some of them are raised in homes where their parent(s) is more consumed with their own happiness than with spending quality time with their children. Many children aren’t being taught the basics of life like social etiquette, a good work ethic, and so many other qualities that will help them succeed in life.
Just as Laban realized that he was blessed because of Jacob, let our children (even though we are sinful creatures and far from perfect) be blessed because of us. They only get one life. Determine not to mess it up for them. Determine, instead, to be a blessing so that they can make the most of the one life God has given to them.
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Lord Jesus, help me to be a blessing to my children, in whatever stage of life I happen to be. Help me to teach them and point them in the right way so that they can enjoy the one life that You’ve given to them. And may they come to enjoy the eternal life found in You. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 
This is so true. I know a man who’s parents were on drugs at conception. When the boy was born and because the father was married to someone else, wanted nothing to do with him. The mother only saw him maybe 20 times a year. He lived with his grandmother for about a year and a half and she sent him to her other daughter. She kept him for about 2 and a half years and gave him back to the grandmother,
Then he was taken by his mother. Four months later social services intervened and at 5 years old was still in diapers and in a room with only a bare mattress and no toys. He was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive and weight 24 pounds. His paternal grandfather was given custody. By then the boy had learned that nobody wanted him and was unloved so he never had love for anyone. Now he’s an adult and is on drugs and is unemployed like his mother.
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This is absolutely heartbreaking! I suppose that someone has the right to mess up their own life but it is completely unjust and evil to mess up the life of one’s child.
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