Every job has its drawbacks and even its dangers. But, what is the scariest job in the world? It is a job that many of us have!
The scariest job in the world is parenting.
The demands, the implications, the complications…about the time you start to figure a few things out your kids are almost grown. Tammy and I are at a new season in our lives as two of our children are out of college (one is married and the mother of my new grand baby!) and the youngest is now heading off to college.
Over lunch recently I told friends that this phase of parenting has been the most challenging for me personally. I have loved every stage but as your children get older there are unique challenges. When our kids were very young Pastor Clarence Sexton told me, “The hardest thing to do with your children is not hold on to them – it is to let them go!” Very true.
Author Randy Alcorn said it poetically,
“Ours to love, But only His to possess.”
We dedicated our children to God as babies but we must continue to do so at every step along the journey. My inability and insufficiency as a parent have driven me back again and again to the perfect Parent, the One who gave us the children and who can do for them what we cannot. I do not know hold old your children are or what challenges you are facing at this time, but here is some advise:
- Trust the Father to give you His wisdom to guide your children.
- Trust the Father to guard them when you cannot be with them.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). He is a good Father and He always gives His children what they need, when they need it.
Fear the Lord only and trust Him for both you and your children. He conquers all other fears with His peace and joy.
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It gives me joy to know other parents take this as serious as I do. We get one shot. No do overs. I am often kept awake at night, imagining the damage and destruction that I could potentially cause my future generations. Real and eternal consequences that I will stand and be judged for.
Who am I…..who am I to take lightly the sacrifice made by faithful mothers and fathers that came before me? I can not imagine all the lives the Lord has used to give me the blessings and opportunities I have today. I’m either going to throw it all away and turn my back on the saints of the past. Or, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I can try to live and parent in a way that gives honor and respect to those saints, all while pointing to Jesus with my life and actions. Thank you for this encouragement.
It is a great joy and a great responsibility at the same time! God bless you and your family.