Friday, October 17, 2014

No Better Blessing


Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

My daughter, Sarah, and her husband, John, are doing an admirable job of raising their two girls, Virginia Rose and Savannah Jane.  When they visit us on Sundays for dinner, we are duly impressed by the loving, yet firm, consistency they show in guiding the now four-year-old Virginia in the ways she should go.

When my husband, Danny, aka Papa, and I have Virginia by herself, she never gives us a moment's trouble.  Sure, she pulls stunts typical for her age, like hiding where she thinks we can't find her or "accidentally" encouraging some of her crazy sand to flee the sandbox, or dragging her feet when it's time for Gammie to take her home.  But, all in all, she is respectful, polite, kind and caring, and full of spontaneous hugs and "I love yous."

A child doesn't arrive at such a point without a positive parental input.

Any of us who are, or who have been, parents can attest to the monumental task it is, day in and day out, especially on those days when nothing goes right.  The kids are whiny, cranky, and picking on each other.  Mom has a whopping headache.  Dad returns home from work frazzled and tired.  That's precisely when parents have to kick it into high gear to meet their children's needs before their own.

It is a selfless and, sometimes, thankless job.  One which we, despite our best efforts, fail at time and again as we learn the parental ropes by trial and error.  But, ultimately, when love is in the equation, any obstacle can be overcome.  And, the rewards, in the long run, are worth every precious moment's attention we give to our children.

John and Sarah have gotten Virginia Rose off to a great start, and I'm confident they will do the same for Savannah Jane.





My heart sings as I think that these two girls will grow up loving God, their family, and their friends, and carry those virtues right through into adulthood.

What could be a better blessing than that?



Prayer:  Father, we thank You for the gift of children and for loving parents who willingly sacrifice of their time and talents to instill Your Word and Your love into their little ones.  Bless them and keep them.  Let Your light shine before them.  Help them to trust in Your grace when the going gets tough.  In Jesus' name, amen.

20 comments:

  1. Bless your lovely family, Martha. It is indeed a joy to see well brought up children and parents need to be applauded for their patience and prayerful upbringing.

    Thanks for sharing the pictures, dear Martha. The children look beautiful.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Susan, for your kind words today, and thank you for the blessings, too. I know how blessed I am to have two beautiful granddaughters and I thank God for them every day.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Oh neat to see your family and how blessed they are to have you!

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    Replies
    1. How blessed I am to have them, Jean! Thanks so much for visiting today, my friend!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  3. I can feel your happiness and glad to share it!
    -Portia

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  4. Martha, You have a beautiful family. Raising children isn't always easy; it is easy though to see those with parents who instilled values of treating others nice. Your grandchildren are absolutely precious!

    Love and blessings!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kim! I'm one lucky "Gammie." :)
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  5. What a blessing, indeed! I'm sure Sarah and John are following the example their parents set for them. :)

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    Replies
    1. I know I tried! :) Yes, they are all blessings!
      Love and blessings to you!

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  6. Replies
    1. Thank you, Fran! Yes, they are gifts, indeed.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Lovely pictures Martha, the love shines through them in abundance <3

    May God bless your family with joy and love always!

    Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Privy! The love does shine, I agree. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Your love for them shows in every word you write. Such a lovely family. Blessings to you and yours.

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    Replies
    1. Suzy, such a kind thing to say! I do hope it does for others, too.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Savannah Jane is too adorable in the first picture you posted, Martha - is she trying to show us how cute her eyes are!! You have a wonderful family that's a reflection of God's blessings.

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    Replies
    1. I am so blessed to have these precious people in my life. Savannah is getting cuter by the day and has such an easygoing nature. What's not to love? :)
      Love and blessings, Vishnu!

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  10. So beautiful! "when love is in the equation, any obstacle can be overcome" cannot be repeated enough!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Martha, we should repeat that to ourselves daily as we face life's challenges and lean upon the Lord for His help and guidance, knowing He is the source of all love and goodness.
      Love and blessings!

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. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

  . . . Good tidings of great joy . . . ~Luke 2:10 Pictured above are my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, John, and their three girls, Virginia,...