As parents and educators, we certainly value children more than those material goods. Whether a toddler or high school senior, that young life is a priceless gift from God, and we have been given the blessing of investing ourselves in that life. Proverbs 22:6 tells us how to care for that treasure. As parents and educators, we are to “train up a child in the way he should go.” That is often difficult advice to follow. Complications frequently arise at home and in the classroom that impinge on our desire to nurture those young lives.
Along with the challenges, God gives grace. As our children grow and progress toward adulthood, we are not as likely to remember the medical and grocery expenses as much as the joy and blessing of helping to encourage their lives today and also shape them for the future.
These packages of blessings and trials are not only our children—they are the next generation of Christian leaders. Soon they will be in business, ministry, education, government or numerous other areas where the Lord will call each of them. We have been given a great responsibility and privilege to “train up” those children to glorify God.
A pastor once said, “Sometimes the days are long, but the years are short!” May we cherish those years.