March 2, 2009

The Value of our Children

An article in this morning’s paper caught my eye. It seems that a Louisiana woman is “accused of trading two young children in her care for a pet cockatoo and $175 cash from a couple who had been trying for years to have their own child…” (LA Times, A-10). The kids were a 5 year old boy and a 4 year old little girl. The trade was posted on a livestock barn wall and negotiated over the phone.

It is hard to believe that someone could value children that little!

Now admittedly, raising children can be a stressful job fraught with all kinds of pressures and challenges. Little boys break lots of limbs and little girls break lots of hearts with tons of drama! And, raising children costs a great deal of money. According to the latest study I could find, it costs between $124,800 and 249,180 to raise a child until age 17!

But regardless of any difficulties that may face a parent, it is important to remind ourselves that our children are a gift from God. In the Old Testament, Jacob acknowledged that when he remarked, “…these are the children God has graciously given (me)” (Gen. 33:5). The Psalmist declared in Psalm 127 that children are a heritage from the Lord and happy is the man who has a quiver full of them!

Clearly the woman from Louisiana under valued those two precious children. And on the other hand, some in our society over indulge their children with such a sense of entitlement. A biblical perspective demands that we cherish our children somewhere in between those two extremes.

May I suggest that this week you be intentional about thanking God for your children (and grandchildren)? Thank Him for the privilege of partnering with Him in the raising of your kids. Thank Him for the distinctive characteristics of each of them. Give Him glory for His creativity that shows in their personalities and skill sets. Ask Him for wisdom to meet their particular needs at each stage of their development. And pray for their salvation!

The Lord knows they are worth a whole lot more than $175 and a silly bird!

Warmest Regards in Christ,
Sherry L. Worel
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools