his morning after our worship we will spend some time recognizing those that were born since May 2007.  It has become an annual affair, this being the third time we have done this.  I am not a prophet that is able to tell what the future will hold for each of these little babies.  They will live in a world that is far different from the world that I was raised in.  Their challenges will be real just like the challenges each of us as adults have had to face.  There are some things that I am rather confident about.  If the parents of these precious babies will bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, there will be a joy in your home that can not be measured.  If the parents will spend quality time with their children as they are brought up, there will be a bond that will be strong between parent and child.  If the parents will be strong and say no to the child in a loving and caring way, there will be respect in your home.

In the comic strip Peanuts, Lucy had just broken the news to Linus that children cannot live at home forever.  Eventually they grow up and move away.  Then she said that when he left she would get his room. But, Linus quickly reminded her that at some time she too would have to leave home.  When this realization hit Lucy, she was shocked, but she quickly came up with a solution.  She turned the TV up loud, crawled into her beanbag chair with a bowl of ice cream, and refused to think about it.

All of us at one time or another have wanted to avoid what we thought were unpleasant matters.  Children growing up and eventually moving away from home are one of those things young parents don’t like to think about.  Life’s realities cannot be avoided.  We may try to run and hide, but eventually we have to live with the reality that our children will grow up.  How important is it to you that your child has a strong foundation to build on?  How important is it that they know that they are loved and cherished and that even though they have moved away, they still have a place they can call home?    On this day that we honor our young parents and their new children, let each one determine in their heart that they will always do all within their power to raise their child in a very special way.   Cherish each and every moment, for one day you will wake up and realize that just like Lucy and Linus they have moved out, leaving you with a home that is not as messy as it once was.  And the sounds of children playing are absent. 

Prayer Thought:  Give me the wisdom to raise my children as You would have me to.