The Fourth Day of Christmas

I am the third of four boys born to my parents. No sisters. God bless our parents! No kidding, God bless our parents! Four boys. How did they ever do it? How did they ever survive?

On this fourth day of Christmas I am giving thanks to God for my parents. Oh, I know, not everyone has had wonderful experiences with their parents and, for some, thoughts of parents are filled with anger, disappointment, frustration, guilt, or even hatred, yet, those are all the more reason I am giving thanks to God for my parents . . . for they opened my heart to God. In many ways, that is still an ongoing statement of truth.

As I think through all of the challenges I made for my parents: all of the things I knew I shouldn't do, but did; all of the truths I could of told and didn't; all of the kindnesses I could have shared and chose not to; and all of the aggravations from which I might have turned away and, yet, chose not to . . . when I think of all these things, and ponder that my parents chose to love me anyway . . . that is precisely where I see God, especially on this fourth day of Christmas.

I see God in the parenting which celebrates birthing new life, rather than mourning old injuries. I see God in the parenting which relishes growth of heart, mind and soul - the joys of a new individual - rather than insisting that the child be a copy of the parent.

I see God in the parenting which holds in the lap the weeping child in time of injury or loss, but understands the importance of setting free to run, learn and play, as well.

I see God in the parenting which values the teaching moment as well as the learning moment, understanding that true knowledge is a two way street.

I see God in the parenting which relishes laughter and play, as well as the focused determination of hard work and accomplishment.

I see God . . . in parenting which is a prayer in and of itself: always in conversation with the One Parent as life is lived, relationships are negotiated, and love is extended through grace and forgiveness, hope and trust, mercy and strength.

Being the third of four boys is not easy, but being the parents of four boys is even harder.

Thank you, God, for parents who look to you for direction and, on this fourth day of Christmas, find Your direction leading them to Jesus with wise people of every age.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Don