Re:December 16

December 16 means a lot to our family; it marks the date and month our wedding anniversary took place and the birthday of our first born,Mary.

And so this last Sunday,December 16,2007 marked our 27th wedding anniversary and our daughter's 23rd birthday.This year's Sunday will be remembered for something else. Which one again?

For as many as 23 years now,my wife and I have spent many hours on our knees praying for wisdom on how to bring up our children-all four. As many parents are very much aware,each stage is very challenging in its own way. While they have been receptive in many subjects,the issue of a life partner has been tough to sink.Why so?

You see when it comes to the question of a life partner,most children don't see eye to eye with their parents. They kind of feel like parents are trying to continue controlling them. Well,after visiting the same subject over and over,you finally let it go but not without letting the man of Galilee in. And so that is what my wife and I settled on as regards our children aged 23 years & 21 1/2 years.

It's Christmas holiday and most college kids are home. Our son made it home in good time for our anniversary. As we reflected on our journey this far,our son shared a touching story. He told us of these two individuals who married some 10 years ago. They are from two different cultures. They argue for almost anything and everything. Concerned about this kind of behavior,my son asked the man how it felt like having a wife from a different culture? The man answered that he married against his parents' wish. But now in retrospect,he regrets the move and must learn to live with the consequences. My son concluded,"Now than ever before,I understand what you have been trying to teach us." "Amen,Amen.....,"was my silent reaction.

As a parent,you want to see your children succeed.Although you may not have all the answers,the University of Hard Knocks has taught you lessons that you don't want your children to go through.When they reject your good intentions,you are tempted to let them experience. But deep in your heart you know that there are decisions that are irreversible. At the end,the man of Galilee never leaves neither the parents nor their children alone.He has always come through at the crucial moments of each family crisis.This last Sunday,He reminded me that He took over the same day I gave up and let Him in. I will surely continue to do my part while depending on Him in my daily challenges. How about you my friend?

Just a thought.

Pr Birai
www.ThemaranathaSDAchurch.org