Happy Birthday, David!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV).

 

I’m not sure of the exact moment that God gave me such a certainty of belief in the great blessing of children. I know it began in 1974 with Kyle’s birth, and was strengthened in 1979 with David’s birth, and came to completion in 1983 with Aaron’s birth. Today our family celebrates David’s birthday. I remember it well. Mary was at home and since his expected birth was not for a week or two, I was at the church working. Mary had already decided that she would not call me to make the thirty-minute drive to the hospital until the last moment so that she could be as comfortable as possible during the process. The call came to me and she informed me that she was definitely having contractions and they were very close together. Of course I panicked. Rushing home I loaded everything necessary into the car, got Mary comfortably belted in, and rushed to the hospital. I didn’t bother parking in a legal space. I ran in and got some help to get her into the hospital and was told I had to move the car to a space. By the time I finished parking and filling out paperwork, the nurse informed me that I had a new baby boy!

 

That was 45 years ago! I don’t know how time passes so quickly, but it does. The picture I’ve included with today’s devotional is from our trip to Georgia with David and his family. We decided to hike up the Appalachian Trail to a suspension bridge with his children while Mary and Becca went antiquing in the area. We had an incredible time together. Today I am more convinced than ever that God’s great blessing comes through our children. Of course, there are challenges in parenting. Sometimes those challenges result in consequences that are very painful. Yet the blessing is not diminished. I am reminded again of our reading today as the Lord declares the He knows that plans He has for each of us and the are for good. The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in his declaration that “all thing work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His will” (Romans 8:28).

 

God has brought nothing but good to me through my children and grandchildren. He has taught me, challenged me, and inspired me through their lives. Even when I think nothing more could be better than that which has gone before I experience and even better blessing than before. Today I hope you will express your gratitude to your children for the gift of God they are. Even if difficulty or disagreement has arisen, make it your firm commitment to pray for your children and do what you can to bring the example of grace and life into their lives.

 

Happy Birthday, David! And, thanks for being such a blessing to me for these four decades!