Happy Birthday, David!

 

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 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 ESV).

 

Today is my middle-son’s birthday. David is 43 years old! As a reading today I have chosen one of my favorites when thinking about family. The psalmist begins with the enjoinder that building a home without the Lord is simply an empty endeavor. It is “vain.” I would like to say that I have always done it “right”; however, we know that to be incorrect. I can go so far as to say that my intentions were always to build our family in the Lord, though I know I was not always as successful as I could have been. Fortunately the Holy Spirit made the difference. David, who is pictured with Mary, Kyle, and Aaron in this “Halloween” photo was unintentionally prophetic in his costume. His warrior’s headdress, war paint, and bow and arrows is exactly how he (and the others) have become for me as I navigate the challenges of life. I hesitate to imagine what might have been if I had not had a “quiver full” of such children. Each of them have become men I am so proud to call sons.

 

Some might say that the “wild Indian” costume fit David well. My response is rooted in a much longer look at history. He has proven many times over to be strong and determined in the protection and defense of his own family. That ultimately strengthens me against all enemies also. It reminds me that all the work done early on was not “eating the bread of anxious toil”; but rather it was an investment in eternity.

 

My encouragement to each of you who have children to see them as treasures from God that build your life into an impenetrable fortress against the baseless claims our common enemy, the devil, might shout at the gates of our homes. Regardless of how many mistakes may have been made in the past, you have this day to begin again to encourage and support them. Make sure they know how much you love them. Call them with affirmations of truth and promise. I hope David’s birthday this year is as much of an encouragement to you as it is to me! Happy Birthday, David! I am proud to be your Dad!