Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep" (Psa 127:3-5).

On the way to church on the morning of Children's Day, I decided to take a photo with our two younger sons. I was amazed at how I appeared next to each of them.  Our youngest  was at my chest level, grinning broadly, while his older brother was almost towering over me, making me look like I was sitting on a chair beside him. And yet just a few years ago, this older  son of ours was the present height of his younger brother. I was reminded again of how fast our children grow and how they keep changing without us even noticing. This moment  brought some precious thoughts to my heart:

1.   Children are a blessing

Children are regarded as a blessing in many cultures and religions around the world. From the standpoint of one's religious convictions, sense of fulfillment in life, social roles, or personal development.
In Jewish tradition for example, children are seen as blessings and the continuation of God's promise to Abraham; Great emphasis is placed on raising children in a loving and nurturing environment.

Parenting your child will trigger

 personal growth and development. 

Through the  challenges and joys 

of raising that young one, 

you get to learn patience, 

resilience, empathy, and other valuable life skills

In the Scriptures,  children are referred to as a blessing.  Psalms one hundred and twenty seven verse three to five says , "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage reveals to us that children are gifts from the Lord; they  are testimonies of God’s blessing and favour.

    2. Our relationship with our children is one  of the purest form of Love

The bond between you and your child is one of the purest forms of love. This relationship can bring immense joy and emotional fulfillment to you as a parent. Raising a child gives you a sense of purpose and direction. You will find that the responsibility of nurturing and guiding the new life entrusted to you is profoundly fulfilling. 

    3.  Nurturing A Child Triggers Personal growth and Development

Parenting your child will trigger personal growth and development. Through the  challenges and joys of raising that young one, you get to learn patience, resilience, empathy, and other valuable life skills. Your child is your extension and continuity; he or she is your legacy. Your child will carry forward cultural traditions, family names, and societal values.  He or she will  reciprocate the relationship with you as he or she cares for and provides for you in your old age; a very natural and beneficial aspect of family life. 

       4.  Children  help to strengthen community and social bonds

Children help strengthen community and social bonds. Schools, parks, and other community institutions often center around children and their needs.  This helps to create a sense of community. They are a blessing to you and to others in the larger community.

       5.  Raising a child is not a casual stroll

While your child is a blessing, it is also important to acknowledge the challenges of raising him or her. It requires a significant amount of emotional, financial, and physical investment. The modern world presents various challenges, such as work-life balance, educational pressures, and societal expectations, which can impact your child-raising experience.

In spite of these challenges, your child is a blessing, and you are blessed to have him or her. Your child is  a priceless gift to every generation. He or she is the extension of the generational blessings before and after you.  So even though the systems of this world are working hard  to convince you otherwise, God the Father says, "I call you blessed."  Because, whether it is an adopted or biological child, He has truly blessed you with a priceless gift.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for the gift of a child.  Thank you for the privilege to love,  nurture, and prepare them for your use in Jesus name.