Six Things I Am Thankful For - Day 2

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV).

Day Two: I’m thankful for my family. The psalmist is so clear about our family being “from the Lord,” in fact, he says they are “a reward.” And so they have been in my life. You can see in the picture here that our “Emmitte” clan is pretty big. Even in this picture, which was taken two years ago, some were absent and others have been added. In our immediate family we now have two additional grandchildren, Harris and Lucy, making the total of twelve. I suppose it would be easy for me to recount all the things they have done and make that the foundation for my gratitude. However, that would not be correct. They have done much, both in our family and in the community where they serve. They have garnered awards and trophies; they have excelled in everything they have done achieving high honors. But, those are mere things and mean nothing in the eternal plan of God. Oh, I suppose I need to additionally say that have done some things that were not so good as well, otherwise you may be tempted to think I see them with purely subjective perspective. They are all wonderful. And, they are all human, just like me. We make bad choices, we sin. The difference is the God who gave them to me. That’s why they are a blessing. God knew precisely who I would need in my life. They are the perfect weapon in my quiver. My enemy cannot but fall in the face of such an onslaught. Just the other day when Maggie (our soon to be three-year-old granddaughter) tore some pages out of a book, her parents corrected her and she said, “PeePaw will fix it.” Well, I’m honored that she thinks I’m the “fixer”, but she also needs to learn a different behavior. This is God molding that “arrow” into just the right weapon against our enemy. The wisdom of God and the perfection of his plan for our lives is marvelous. It may be that you have some difficulties in your family. Set them aside and recognize that God does have a plan. Be thankful for each of them. Celebrate God’s gifts to you in each of them. I hope you will name each one, each day, as you take them to our heavenly Father. Be that kind of blessed individual!