Scripture
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. -3 John 1:4
I listened to my high school aged daughter give me a rundown of her day. She's often done this throughout the years. From conflict with a classmate during carpet time in elementary school to her first heartbreak in junior high, I've listened to her narrate her interactions with people. She's decided to try out for a leadership position in an extra-curricular activity and I've noticed the affect that the preparation for this role has had on her character, mindset, and thought process. "I've noticed that competition can bring out something different in people." she said as she discussed others who are competing against her. "Mom, I've learned to see the good in people no matter what they show me. I'm having to re-think about how I treat others." There's obviously growth in her interpersonal skills and character, but I've also observed her conduct bible study with a few friends and defend her faith on occasion. She initiates prayer with me for situations that arise in her life. I've even watched her be more engaged in worship service in our church.
In the scripture, John was referring to the joy he felt when he heard that his spiritual children were walking in God's truth. As a parent, I feel great joy when I observe the signs that she is growing into the young lady that God has called her to be. Because we spend so much time with our children, we notice the subtle changes and the ebbs and flows in their lives that others might not observe for some time. Perhaps this truth mirrors our relationship with the Father. As we are walking closely with Him, He is observing our growth that may not be observed by others until an appointed time. I believe it brings Him great joy when He witnesses our spiritual growth.
If you're observing growth in your biological children, people you are mentoring, or your spiritual children, give God praise. If these categories have yet to apply to you, be sure to praise God in advance for what He's going to do when He sends your children, spiritual or biological. Praise Him for the people that you will one day lead and anticipate the joy that growth will bring.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the oppotunity to grow in multiple ways in our lives. We thank you for placing biological and spiritual children, and mentees in our lives that we might pour into them and watch the seeds we have sown sprout out of the ground. Thank you for the children you have yet to bring into our lives and the joy we'll feel as we observe their growth in You. Amen
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