Thanks to all of you who have been signing up for the RSS fed to this site. There have been over 190 of you who have done this recently. This has helped us climb up in the Google Search Rankings. Help us climb even higher by signing up today if you haven’t already. Just click on the icon right after the title to do that.
__________________________________________________________
We have been sharing excerpts from my new book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” This book reaches out to those who may suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.
This book is on sale right now in our bookstore. It is only about a week away from Easter, and this book is ideal to give as a gift. Just click on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page to check it out.
_________________________________________________________
Today’s is a somewhat humorous approach to child birth, but it also talks about the responsibility that comes with parenthood.
_________________________________________________________
Chapter 59
If Pregnancy Were a Book, They Would Cut Out the Last Two Chapters!
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5
I think one of the most traumatic events I ever had to go through was the birth of my first son, Greg. I’m not saying that I had to go through what my wife went through by any means. But while in the waiting room, I was “reading” a magazine upside down! I thought I needed something in front of me to show I wasn’t nervous.
The fellow next to me blew my cover. “First baby, huh!” he remarked. I was much better with my second and third children, but that first one was almost too much.
Now that I’ve made you feel sorry for me, please understand what the mother must go through. There is no pain on this earth that can compare. But, the joy we get from having our children around seems to cover up the pain and anxiety parents have to go through.
Now I am a grandfather and get to watch my children go through the process of having children. It seems even more special when your own children are giving birth to new little people. It brings back fond memories of when my own were just small. And I get to have a grandchild to love (and sometimes spoil), and then send home! (Mean Grandpa.)
I think all newlyweds ought to consider what they are doing before they have children. It was once said: “People who sleep like a baby usually haven’t had one.” There are a lot of responsibilities in having children, and being up all night is one of them. A perfect example of minority rule is having a baby in the house. The one thing children can wear out faster than shoes is parents.
It is a tremendous responsibility to become a parent, and people need to think it about it long and hard before becoming one. Robin Clements was once quoted as saying, “No one who cannot train a dog to heel, sit and stay for at least ten minutes in command should be allowed to raise children.”
Now, after much tongue-in-check joking about parenthood, let me make sure we understand that children are God’s gift to us. It says in the scripture above: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5).
There is pride in watching your children grow. You anticipate their future with joy.
Our children are very important to God, too. He loves the little children. The Bible tells me so. Our mandate is to raise them up in a way that God will be pleased. It is very important to show them the way Christians should act even when they are little. That means being a good role model. Our actions do speak louder than our words!
I have even more joy now that I’m a grandparent. I have my children, and they have presented me with their children. It says in Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” I am very proud of my children for the way they grew up. They are now the silent heroes for their own children, and I know my grandchildren are in very good hands.
As an aside: A little girl was visiting the maternity ward with her father who was a little on the heavy side. “Dad,” she asked, “Are you having a baby, too?”
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6
Further Adventures
If you are a young person, and have just married, sit down with your spouse and plan your parenthood. I realize that this sounds ridiculous to some, but it is very important. We sometimes rush into having children and end up feeling overwhelmed. You may want to get to know each other and travel some before the children start coming.
Another thought should be the ramifications of the expense it will place on your budget. Most newly married couples are not swimming in a pool full of money. Children are very expensive in their early years. It seems small people need a new pair of shoes every week! After you have settled these two issues, then have many children and enjoy each and every one of them!
Something to Ponder
Isn’t it funny that those who can laugh at themselves will never cease to be amused?
Kids’ Thought
If you’re going to fight, use pillows.