Children Are A Treasure

Have any parents ever had just a moment of question about this scripture? Like . . . when just before church one Easter Sunday morning your three year old daughter finds the brown sugar? Or you give your son money for children’s church . . . and he swallow’s a quarter? Or, you are in the emergency room as a MOM yourself for PNEUMONIA – and the medical staff have the nerve to ask you . . . “Are you the mom of the child who stuck a green crayon up their nose . . . and of the child who swallowed a quarter?” Ok, let’s be honest. At that moment, you don’t especially FEEL like they are a gift from the Lord . . . but guess what . . . feeling’s don’t count, and God’s Word doesn’t lie . . . THEY ARE!

There is a song sung by a popular Christian artist, and the one line sings, “Children are a treasure from the Lord.” Somehow, Mark and I have picked up that one line, and when we are experiencing a frustrating moment of “drama at the Dubbeld’s” we often sing that one phrase. It truly helps us remember – no matter what is happening at that particular time, our children are treasures – gifts from God to us.

It has often been said, “If only they came with an instruction manual . . .” but how many of us read instruction manuals? You know how it is – we look at the picture on the box, we think we can do this – and then, some TIME later – we decide that instructions aren’t all bad!

The Word of God truly is an instruction manual. Along with being a living source of encouragement, a convicting source of reproof when needed, and food for the hungry soul, it truly gives us instructions for helping our children through the crazy cracks and crevices of our fallen world. Literally, the guidance we need is given us! The closer we walk with Jesus, and the more we stay in His Word, we pass on to our children the most precious possession -- the path to develop a personal, intimate relationship with the One who is The Answer.

When we as parents look at what is going on around us, sometimes it gives good cause for alarm. As Christian parents, many of us have a goal to raise Godly children in a society that much of the time ridicules the righteous, or simply has no time for God. We truly have made the decision, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” It seems like such an enormous task. I remember one time when our family was staying in a small travel trailer. Although I was standing in the kitchen, one of my children came in and didn’t see me. I could see them, but they couldn’t see me. Their face was full of panic. They were afraid. Afraid I had gone on some errand and left them behind . . . but I hadn’t. I was right there – standing in the same kitchen – just a few feet from them. Soon their eyes became adjusted to the light. Oh, what relief crossed their face when they saw me. I was there! The funny thing was – I’d been there all along.

We are not on an impossible journey. Easy? No. Possible? Yes. Somehow God helped Noah raise righteous children in days when “the earth was corrupt before God.” How? Genesis 6:9b says, “Noah walked with God.” We not only have a guidebook (the Bible) we each have a personal Guide! When the Holy Spirit has control of our lives, He has full rule and reign in everything. Constantly lifting our children to Him – in every situation – thanking Him for them – and covering them with His precious blood – claiming them for His Kingdom-- this can become our way of life. He doesn’t leave us in the dark, without providing His light! So gently He reminds when the path gets rough – “I’m standing right here!” Lifting our eyes, we can know once again, “With God ALL things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)

Written by: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)