The above quote illustrates that lessons learned early in life have a tremendous bearing on you in later years. In nature, you see this sometimes when young trees are blown by ravaging, hurricane winds. These trees continue to grow at odd angles throughout its life. In people, often early experiences - good or bad - mark us for life. Of course, many people overcome bad experiences early on and achieve successful, happy, fulfilled lives. In contrast, some people through bad decision-making, end up negating positive beginnings.
As I think about that quote, I reflect on parenting our kids. I pray that God will bless good intentions and forgive short-comings in our attempts in child-rearing. We are flawed people living in a fallen world. I think we did good in some things and not so good in others. Why am I being so introspective?
This Sunday night after church our oldest son ate supper with us, loaded up his car, and moved out and into his own home. Our eldest daughter has been on her own since she graduated college. We have one more at home, and he'll be moving out this fall when he goes off to college. We'll soon be empty-nesters. As Russ pulled out of the driveway, Tricia and I stood in the driveway and watched him drive off.
We prayed for him that God would bless him in his home and in this new chapter of his life.
Did we give him the right tools in his toolbox to enable him to be successful in this life? Will he continue to grow in the direction we've tried to point him?
As he spreads his wings and flies, we trust that God will protect him and guide him, cover him in His Love, and that he will know that his entire family loves him.
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26
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