Pam and I are “empty nesters”—we haven’t had children living at home for six years. However, over Christmas/New Year we spend time with family—children, grandchildren and other relatives with children and babies. We enjoy the interaction. Babies and children are fun but exhausting (unfortunately that means we’re getting old!)
When pushing a swing, climbing a tree, riding a bike, jumping on a trampoline or playing blocks, I see the unique natures and characteristics of each child clearly on display. Sensitivity, stubbornness, wilfulness, gentleness, compassion, caution, fearlessness, naughtiness, love, quietness, reservedness . . . each child is unique.
The best times occur when reading a Bible story or communicating with them at their level in the activity of life. I see so much potential in each and desire that all are guided toward good values, God and His kingdom.
Each of us is a child of God, made in God’s image (Gen 1:26,27) with a unique nature—highly valued. Evil scarred this image of God in all of us. We need to have it restored. Jesus, God’s Son, bore the evil and scars for all humans (Isa 53:4,5). If we believe in Jesus and what He did for us, we become daughters and sons of God again (John 1:12,13). We take on our real identity—I am the son of the King of the Universe!
If we are God’s children, He is our Father (1 Cor 8:6). As a Father He is keenly interested in us (Psalm 68:5). He sees our falls and hurts and wants to comfort and support (2 Cor 1:3). He sees our stubbornness and antagonism and desires to correct and guide
(1 Thess 3:13). He takes joy and pride in our kindness and compassion shown to others (James 1:27). He wants to talk to us and see each one of us fulfil our potential (1 John 3:1, Eph 1:3,17).
As God’s son, I’m giving my Father the opportunity to talk with and lead me this year. Will you?
