Children are a gift from God, but unfortunately, many in the world do not see them in that way. Some people put little value on the life of a child. I've mentioned before that my husband works for a children's home (Tipton Home). Most of the children there come from abused and neglected homes. Others have been abused in other ways that aren't typically thought of as abuse: over-indulgence (giving a child everything they want) and no form of discipline (never saying no), and not teaching right from wrong.
I'm convinced that children just want to be children. It's adults who sometimes want them to grow up too fast. It's adults who teach them about the things in the world - some good, but unfortunately, some bad.
For today's Gratituesday, I am grateful for my children. And, here's why:
I am grateful for their independence and their uniqueness. Each one of them is special in their own way. I don't love any one of them any more or any less than one of the others.
I am grateful for their friendship and care for each other (of course, not 100% of the time :), but for the most part!)
I am grateful for their ability to laugh about the simplest things. They can have fun and they don't feel the need to worry about things in life. (Another thing they sometimes learn from adults.)
I am grateful for their ability to enjoy life and just relax. They're not in a hurry and rushing around trying to meet deadlines and stay on schedules. They are content to go at their own pace - taking the time to see the world around them.
I am grateful for their ability to see beauty and joy in every day things. Their happiness comes from being able to play and have fun together - or alone...not because of some toy or gadget that will become outdated, broken, or need a new battery.
I am grateful for their ability to be silly at times and serious at times, but thankful they want to just act their age and be kids most of the time. It's hard to not want to be older when you're young...then when you're older you sometimes try to be or want to look younger!
I am grateful that they are leaders and examples to others around them, but pray that they will always choose to be followers of Jesus...united as physical brothers and sister, but also as children of God.
I am grateful for my children. They are a gift from God.
"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
This was so beautiful and made me cry because I feel the same way as you.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart how many kids are neglected and abused and who aren't appreciated. Ok now I am crying thinking about it.
My name is Casey by the way, it has been a long time since I participated in a Gratituesday!
That was beautiful! I love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures-that area looks sooooooooooo nice after being in congested Chicago :-)
ReplyDeleteI have that verse on my email signature. My grandson had a horrendous beginning and nothing I could do saved him from it. The last time he was taken back to KY (several times back and forth and not well cared for while there) I knew when I looked at him in the crib that morning that he wouldn't be there when I got home from work so I just stood there saying I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, your grandpa will be watching over you now. And I let him go with his parents that day as I had no choice. I figured I wouldn't see him until he was grown. 6 months later his mom, my daughter, walked out on them as she wanted out from the father and knew he'd never let her take the baby. I had no choice but to make friends with the man I despised so much. 6 months after that he died suddenly after a brief illness. A month after that I had custody of my grandson (my choice to be friends with the father played a huge part in that) and was bringing him home. So that little verse at the end of your post means so much to me. I am in awe of God every time I look at that little blessing sleeping in his bed and will do everything I can to make sure he knows our Father.