“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves. 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. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” Psalm 127:1-5
I would like to begin today’s thought by saying that I love my family. I thank God that He has blessed me with a help mate that I still passionately love. We will celebrate 28 years of marriage this summer, and to this day she remains my confidant and best friend. In addition to this, God has blessed us with four competent, capable, and healthy children (ages 19, 20, 21, 22). As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all six of us are here at home.
The other night, my wife and I were talking about life and family. My wife said that this likely will be the last time in our lives that we are all together for this amount of time again. Our youngest graduates high school next month, and soon we will be “empty nesters.” For now, we will enjoy our time together as a family.
As I thought about our conversation this morning, it led me to ask a question, “How can I, as a father, best continue to take care of my family?” Like you, I want to see my kids successful, happily married, and having children of their own. As I read the above Psalm this morning, I believe three words quickly emerged – Humility, Prayer and Love.
First, I must continue to humble myself and acknowledge that my family is not my own. This is so important. It is important because as verse 1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” And verse 3 says, “Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.” There is tremendous power in acknowledging that God has blessed us with our families. There is tremendous strength in knowing that when we give back our families to God that we have committed them into the hands of an all-powerful God! And there is tremendous peace knowing that God is watching over our and protecting our families when we are not physically present to do it ourselves.
Second, I must pray for my family. Although the Psalmist does not specify the task of praying for our families here, please assume it is an implied task in our overall care plan. For me personally, the greatest prayer I pray is that I do not get in their way. I pray that God protects, prospers, and provides them with His peace and wisdom. I also pray that God leads, guides, and directs their footsteps. Finally, I pray that God continually reminds me that I provide indirect support. He provides the direct support. As I have said in previous thoughts, remember that “Whatever you ask for in prayer, with faith, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22), and that “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). A common saying is “The best offense is a good defense!!” Defend your family by daily praying for them, and remember that god “grants sleep (rest/peace) to those he loves.”
Third, and finally, love your family. If asked, “What is the most powerful tool you have to defend your family?” I would answer you that it is love. Why? Because if I love God, I will love my family. A family member that knows he/she is loved can deal with a lot. Always remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:1-4; also read 1 Corinthians 13). I also encourage you to head the words of Theodore Hesburgh, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” The words “father” and “mother” can easily be reversed here too. Finally, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
In conclusion, the answer to the above question, “How can I, as a father/husband, best continue to take care of my family?” I answer it with three words: Humility, Prayer and Love!
Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann