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| Marcia and Amber |
You know, it is tough to grow up. It really is. And it is so tough to listen. You don't remember, but the fact is this: it didn't take you long to find out that you did not like the big "N" word. And it didn't take you long to learn how to protest very loudly if Mom or Dad looked you in the eye and said, "NO". Even as a baby, you were beginning to question the wisdom of your parents. (How dare they say "no"?)
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| Kevin and Hope |
That was just the beginning! Another thing that you didn't know is that you were questioning the wisdom of someone way bigger and way more intelligent than Dad and Mom. You were questioning the wisdom of God, himself. For it is GOD who planned the family as a place to be safe, a place to learn, a place to grow, and a place to prepare for your own family someday.
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| Jeannie and Samuel |
I just want you to hear right now that there is NOBODY in all the world who knows you as well as your Mom and Dad. And there is NOBODY who cares as much about your health, your safety, your happiness, your success, and your spiritual life as your parents. They pray for you, they cry over you, they hope for you, they advise you. Grandchildren: please listen to them!
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| Jonathan and Robert |
Your parents welcomed you into their home and cared for you in the best way they could. They gave up a LOT of what they might have just selfishly had for themselves in order to take care of you and to bring you joy. Right now, it is not possible to know how much LOVE has been poured out for you. But one day, when you have children of your own, you will know it. You will have in your care someone who means more to you than life itself. Oh, parents say YES as often as they can. They want to give to you. They want your childhood to be as delightful as possible. But more than that, they want you to grow and mature and be a blessing to others all of your life. They want you to make good choices about school, a job, a spouse. They have seen a lot of life and their wisdom is a treasure stored up to share with you. Take advantage of the gift of Mom and Dad and learn from them. They are GIFTS of GOD to you -- just as YOU are gifts of God to them. Treasures, dear grandchildren!
And it is such a blessing to parents to watch their children grow and mature into godly parents themselves. Grandchildren: know that right behind your parents are grandparents who love and treasure you, too. Take advantage of us while we're still here. We love to tell you stories about "the good (and not so good) old days!"
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree it is a blessing to see our children live for Christ. It is one of the highest joys in all of our lives -- just seeing GOD glorified in their lives. Thank you for adding that thought, my brother.
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