The Bible describes children as “a gift from the Lord, a blessing, a heritage.”  Unlike anything else on this earthly world, we can do nothing to “earn” them. However, because we are heirs of the Lord, and in his infinite love for us, he blesses us through the precious gift of children.  But let’s be honest, kids don’t always feel like a blessing.  They require a lot of work and can be the source of frustration, disappointment, and heartache.  The responsibility of parenting can feel like a heavy burden. In the words of Chip Ingram, “The greatest joys you’ll ever experience on this planet will have to do with your children.  The greatest sorrows you’ll ever experience on this planet will have to do with your children.”

Put yourself in Jochebed’s shoes for a moment.  You have just placed your most precious cargo in a basket, in the Nile River, and walked away.  Can you imagine the pain and heartache felt with each step that widened the distance between you and your baby?  For the first time in 3 months your arms are empty.

            Now I know what you’re thinking…she was a woman of faith and doing as the Lord had instructed.  Theoretically she should be full of peace, knowing her steps were ordered by the Lord.  Perhaps she should have even felt relief! No more trying to hide a wiggling, crying infant from the death sentence spoken forth from Pharaoh. 

Let’s also remember though, Jochebed didn’t have the privilege of reading her own story in the Bible. She didn’t know how her story ended.  In that moment, the only end she could see was the one where she had just held her baby for the last time. However, despite her motherly instincts, her emotions, and every fiber of her being, she didn’t turn around and grab her child out of that basket.  She was faithful to what the Lord had called her to do.

 I remember how guilt ridden I felt leaving our infant son in the capable hands of my mother-in-law for a few hours while my husband and I enjoyed a much needed date night. 17 years later, the heartache I experienced as him and I parted ways at the airport left me tear-stained; a visceral throb twisting around in the pit of my stomach.  How had his childhood passed so quickly? My comfort came in the remembrance that my son was stepping onto the path God had chosen for him.  My peace came from my desire to be obedient to the Lord and my faith that God had a good plan for my son’s life.

1. Letting your children grow up and start on their own path is one of the most difficult challenges you will ever face.  What/who is your source of peace and strength right now?
2. Despite your own feelings and struggles, how can you continue to encourage and support your child during this exciting season in their life?

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.  Psalm 127:3-5

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18