Happy Birthday, Kyle!

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8 ESV).

There’s nothing quite like browsing your way through old family picture albums. Fortunately for me, Mary was always one to both document and arrange all of these photos for safe-keeping. They are treasured items in our lives. Today is my oldest son’s 45th birthday. I’m not quite sure how that happened so quickly, but as I get older, time seems to pass much more quickly than when I was younger. This photo was taken at Mary’s mom and dad’s home in April of 1980. I could have chosen any one of many other photos to accompany today’s devotional; however, this one seemed to be “right” for the things I wanted to write in encouragement for all who are parents today. The desire of most parents is that their child grows to become better than they are. Perhaps this is at the root of the reason I take the opportunity on the birthdays of my family to recognize the day as a landmark moment thanking God for His work of grace in their lives in making this hope a reality. They are better than I am in so many areas of life. While I often find others acknowledging who assign that as a work that Mary and I are responsible for accomplishing, we have really just been along for the ride! It is a work of God from start to finish. My encouragement to all of you who are parents this day is to recognize the truth that it is never too late to communicate both the love of God and your love for them. One of the great difficulties children must deal with is the lies that can come into their minds masquerading as truth: “I’m not loved,” “I’m not accepted,” “I’m not appreciated,” “I’m not attractive,” “I’m not good enough,” “I’m too fat,” “too thin,” “too tall,” “too short,” “too dumb,” “too smart,” “too everything.” These lies escalate as children move into their teenage years and often are carried into adulthood. The truth of God is anything but that! That’s why I’m convinced it’s never too soon to start praying for a child to feel loved and accepted, first by God, then by family, then by peers and others. We should start this process when they are babies; however, it is never too late. Whatever age your child is at this moment, commit yourself to show them God’s love and grace. Tell them of the great love God has shown to us in Christ. Pray for them throughout their lives. Mark each landmark in their lives with the joy that God is doing a great work in them! I do… Happy Birthday, Kyle! I am so grateful God has given you to me for these last 45 years. I pray there will be many more!