Fathers and Mothers: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

"Laying a Foundation: Don’t Worry; Be Happy

It’s not hard to spot new parents, is it? One look in their haggard, sleep-deprived eyes and you can see the physical toll a little seven-pound infant is taking on them. Babies turn their parents into slaves whose lives are turned upside down to keep that little bundle alive.

I don’t know if raising older children is any less stressful. I think parents can lose just as much sleep worrying about their teenagers. How will we pay for school? Am I too strict or not strict enough? Where are the kids? Why don’t they pick up when I call? I hope they’re making good choices. Why are they so secretive? I’m not sure about their new friends. Why are they so moody all the time? And why must they dress like that and listen to that music?

Your almighty Father invites you to relax. His Son, Jesus, asks you, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27). The unwritten corollary is “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your child’s life?” Worry is fear, fear that you are losing control, fear that we lose in the end, fear that God has left the building.

God takes the long view about developing people, and we should too. Look at how he worked on and changed people like Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, all of whom were pieces of work early in life. If you have a heavy heart about a family member right now, how about putting that burden on God? Do it now. Exhale."