"Happy Birthday Aaron!"

It’s not unusual that I should be inspired today to write a devotional centered on Aaron’s twenty-seventh birthday. Those of you who have been following Morning Devotionals for any time at all know that it is my habit to use the special days in my family as a basis for a thought or two. Today is no different! So, first, Happy Birthday, Aaron! Last summer when Mary and I went to visit Aaron and went to New Orleans for the day, it was a little rainy and dreary. However, it was a GREAT day! And, that’s my point today.

As parents, any day we have with our children is a great day. I know there are always challenges as they move through their lives stretching the limits of their freedom and our patience; but isn’t that just a part of the “job” of being a parent? Did you notice the word job is in quotation marks? I find it very easy to look at the privilege of being parents as a burden at times. Many people that I minister with struggle with the responsibilities of parenting so much they miss the great blessing of their children. I do know that for some it seems parenting is much more difficult than others. Children are given freedom of will, just as we are. They make choices. Some of them are good ones and some are bad. Some carry great reward, while others carry incredible consequences. I also admit that God has shown me great favor with my children. They have made many good choices in their lives. I have not experienced the same challenges as others. However, the principle remains: We are called to love our children as our heavenly Father has loved us… unconditionally!

Let me translate that for you. We should focus our attention on who they are, not what they do. All three of my sons have earned various awards and citations for their accomplishments. I am proud of what they have done. However, I love them not for what they have done, but for who they are. Accomplishments are like the tides of the seas; they come in and go out. Their relationship to me never changes. They are my sons. Nothing can change that. Nothing should change that. Look in the Scripture:

Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father's household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph's knees. (Genesis 50:22-23 NASB).

The reading above is a bit strange at this point in the devotional. However, let me dig in a bit with you. The story of Joseph is one that most of us know very well. His brothers were jealous toward him, ultimately selling him into slavery. His journey ends in a great position of authority in Egypt that leads to their salvation. These words followed Joseph’s last instructions as he neared the end of his life. In the midst of these instructions there is this revelation of how close he was to his family. I wish that I had the space to detail the lives of Ephraim and Manasseh. They were both children of Joseph, Ephraim being the younger. Jacob blessed Ephraim before Manasseh, showing a different favor to him. However, this in no way affected Joseph’s love for either. He understood this only meant they were different in task, not relationship. He raised them all “on his knees.” What a beautiful picture of love and acceptance! Well, I’m out of room for today! Let me close with two things. First, to Aaron, David, and Kyle… I love you for who you are, not what you have done or will do. Second, to all of you who are parents, take today and express your love to your children. Bless them and draw them to your “knees.”