The time under our roof is short lived to be sure….solid food available!

We have heard it or said it…”where has the time gone?” when referring to the speed in which our children grew up.  The toddler in the stroller who loved being pushed down the road is now waving out his window as he drives to his first job. The little guy who recorded his voice on the tape recorder now is a grown man answering his cell phone. And those little shoe strings that I seemed to tie forever now are tied by the adult with a shoe size of 11. So when did this happen?

I believe that all parents go through a time of questioning about faith from their children.  The time we have them under the protection of our homes is so short.  So little time to teach them the things of the Lord and how to deal with the pain and hurt that will inevitably come their way.  When they were small, a kiss and a band aide fixed the “boo-boo”.  That doesn’t always work as they get older.

The last couple of weeks I have talked to some parents whose children are truly rebelling, or being “prodigal” as I sometimes say.  I don’t know the condition of their hearts, but I know that these parents have raised them in the ways of the Lord.  These children for some reason or another have chosen another path.  How my heart aches for these parents, and these children.  

My thoughts were rather simple, love them unconditionally and keep praying.  It is a spiritual battle.  Entering into that battle as a parent….was and is truly battle.  They aren’t little anymore.

I nursed my infants.  They received the nutrition necessary at that time.  But as they grew, their need for solid food increased.  And if anyone of you has raised, or is about to raise boys….stock your refrigerator NOW! 

Peter talked of it in scripture: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2.  Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:2 “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food for you are not yet ready.” and in Hebrews 5:13-14 “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  

What do babies need to grow physically?  What do our children need as spiritual newborns?  What do we need?  As we continue to grow and teach our children, we must provide them spiritual food as well!  Could this be deeper discussions, asking our children to share their thoughts on scripture?  Are we satisfied with just the “Sunday” teaching, or do we want more ourselves?  When we are hungry, what feeds us?  

I don’t pretend to have all the answers.  But I will encourage you in this…make teaching, reading and discussing His Word an important part of your day and your children’s day.   I was always blown away by some of the insights the boys had as little guys.  My prayer was always that they hid the WORD in their hearts…pray that your children will desire a deeper walk.  Pray for that as they get out from under your protection…and question lots of things.  Keep that line of communication open so that they will bring you their doubts and you can continue to guide them to “solid food”.

They won’t live under that roof forever, so prepare them as best you can…encourage them with “solid food.”

Blessings dear ones..

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*google image, NIV Bible*