“All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”

Psalm 25:10

We, like most parents, had little conception when we started the journey what we were doing, and even less what it would require of us. We agreed that parenting was the best of all the ministry we’ve done in our lives, but we had no idea what that investment in our children would cost us physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. It is only now that we can begin to observe the dividends. Whatever lifegiving we did is now paying out in the rich life of faith we see in each of our children.

However, did I also mention the speed bumps, potholes, blind curves, and other road hazards we encountered along the path of parenting? It was not a smooth ride. After all, every Christian family, ours included, is inhabited by sinful, selfish human beings called parents and children. The idea that Christian parenting should be a purely joyful journey through life is misguided at best and an illusion at worst. And yet, despite our own immaturities and weaknesses, we made it through with no casualties and with faith intact. We’re all stronger than when we started.

But Christian parenting is more than just getting from one point to another by faith. We know intuitively we’re made for something more than just crossing the finish line. We’re made to be part of God’s epic story of creation—the story He is writing not only for all of life but for each of our lives. As lifegiving parents, one of our most important tasks has been to help our children discover themselves in the story God is writing, to find their place in the unfolding tale of God’s grand purpose and plan and to know that we are all, as a family, in that story together.

When you first became a parent, did you feel confident in your choices? How can you see Gods’ hand in teaching you?