BLESSINGS OF PARENTING

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:” – Ephesians 6:2

Much has been spoken about Parental Blessing, but there are BLESSINGS of PARENTING:: “Lo, children are the heritage of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is His reward” (Psa.127:3). To be a parent is a privilege; to be a parent is profitable and rewarding; and to be a parent is a Blessing! If this truth really dawned on the billions of parents in the world and particularly in Christendom, it would motivate us to better parenting. Children are a blessing and gift to parents, yet there are times we are left confused and worried that we aren't doing it right.

Parenthood is hard, tough and rigorous, but its rewards are unquantifiable! Nobody ever said parenting would be easy; even so, Christ has ushered us into the realms of grace. Thank God! His Word offers parents wisdom and encouragement!

Parenting is the same as Parenthood, which is the state of being a parent. Parenting infers greater participation and engagement than the nominal position of being a parent. It is the process of promoting and providing for the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the intricacies of child-upbringing; the complexities of raising a child, and not exclusively the biological relationship. Parenting is of extreme importance to the survival and sustenance of the human race, as well as to eternal destinies of individuals, families, and societies. As parents, we represent God to our children. What we do each day, and the spirit in which we do it, makes a lasting impact.

What are the blessings of parenting? Let’s ponder for a moment.

What a blessing it is to nurture another human soul – an eternal soul – from innocence to maturity. From their beginning days, our children listen to us with rapt attention: with their ears, eyes, minds, and hearts. We reach them by connecting to their core, their heart. They search for safety within this parental connection which allows them to thrive and experience childhood. Through our relationship with them they also experience God’s presence and love in their lives. They are tuned into the tone of our voice, the gentleness of our face and eyes as we look into their face. We begin to communicate with them way before we even open our mouths to speak. What a thrill! What a Joy! What a Blessing!

What a blessing it is to enter into partnership with our Maker and Creator to build another life in time, to impact eternity. Parents have a great influence in building positive values and beliefs in their children. Every family needs a leader and it should not be a child: children need to be led. Fathers and mothers need to take their rightful place in the family as leaders, protecting and nurturing their children. Children need godly values, healthy family interactions and boundaries to feel safe enough to grow and thrive. Children need faithful and present parents, who realize the importance that their actions should match their values.

A biblical established blessing of parenting is HONOR. God commands children: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exo.20:12). Another highly exhilarating blessing of parenting is enjoyed as children grow past the toddler and little kid stages, into the older kid or teen stage. Eventually our children become our friends. You wake up one day and realize that you enjoy your son or daughter not only as a child but as a friend. What a sweet realization!

What a joy to learn to relate to your children not only as their father but as their friend. Added to the relationship that has always existed, parent-child, is one that has been forged out of our shared time and experiences. Now we want to do the things that friends do, and relate in the ways that friends relate. The ultimate joy and blessing of parenting is to come to love and enjoy your children not only for what they are – your children – but for who they are – your friends!