Parenthood

My heart profoundly hurts for young families who want children but for some reason can’t conceive. I believe one of the things that changed my life most profoundly is becoming a parent. I know that my selfish meter really read differently. I am convinced that I discovered more about God through becoming a parent than any other way. I understood some things about His love for me. I can’t possibly describe the depth of my love for my children.

The Israelites once again turned from the Lord and the Lord put a plan in motion that would deliver them from the Philistines. He begins with the announcement of a birth. Check this out…

2 A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth. 3 The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, ‘You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. 4 Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. 5 You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.’ (Judges 13:2-5 NIV)

The young man was named Samson. I still remember first hearing the stories of his great strength. If Samson became a judge at age 18, then the Lord was preparing nearly 20 years earlier for him to serve the Israelites as their leader. The Lord used a barren woman to deliver a great leader. I love the fact that the Lord did this with other great leaders. He starts with a birth and builds the leader from the start.

As I reflect on the arrival of my kids into my family, I’m blown away with feelings of blessing. It is a powerful and deep feeling of love that I have for my children. I also feel the incredible challenge and weight of the responsibility to teach them not only with my words, but also with my life. Of all the leadership responsibilities I’ve had over the years, I can’t think of any that compare to my role as a parent. I’m thankful for the grace of God as I made mistakes many times over. I’m thankful that the Lord shaped my heart to be teachable as I did my best to teach the children He blessed me with. Parenting should be unselfish, as we love, give and serve these beautiful gifts from the Lord.

Pressing On!

Dwayne