To a kid, maybe a treat, a surprise... to us, a trophy, a pat on the back, "well done!" you did great, here is your REWARD. This is how I used to think. I mean, it's legitimate. So when I read in the bible how children are a REWARD from the Lord... this is what I thought. You did good, God gives you a child. YAY YOU! :) Simple, right?
Well, I'm learning, I've been thinking, for some time now, that's not exactly what God meant when you read this verse...
"Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him." -Psalm 127:3
I think He meant REWARD as in... the Eternal Reward.
Children sanctify us. They GET us to heaven. HOW?
By making life REALLY hard. Yes, you read that right. By making life really hard!
They are amazing, loving, beautiful, smart, funny, adorable, entertaining, kissable, lovable and naturally compassionate, oh the list goes on! That's just a bonus.
But they are also difficult, whiny, sticky, fussy, gross, demanding, obnoxious and completely exhausting.
With each child, and every one (if there are more) after that first one, life becomes a little different, a little more demanding, a little more exhausting. God gives you the grace to handle each and every one... each and every change that comes your way. (You have only to ask!) You adjust, you grow, as a parent and more so, as a person.
In having children, you will learn so many virtues that can only be taught when you are forced into the situation that DEMANDS them... patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control, you know, all those Fruits of the Spirit! (Galations 5).
Children Sanctify us! They are what makes us choose.... to become a Saint...
...or to go completely insane.
Well, hey, it's true.
At least that's what I've found! Each and every day I strive and am trying to choose the path of Sainthood. (Oh believe me, I fail at this! That is what the Sacrament of Confession, and God's forgiveness and grace is all about.)
Pope Saint John Paul II said, "Be not afraid, Open wide the doors for Christ" Did you know that you are called to be a Saint? YES,.. you!
Speaking of the very recent Saint-with-a capital-S of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II, he made this his motto:
"Totus tuus" which means "totally yours"
Shouldn't we all have that motto? We should be Totally Gods.
Anyway I'm getting off topic a little, but we are all called to Sainthood... and our children are the way the Lord gets us there. Certainly they are a reward in this life... but MORE-SO I think, they are a way the Lord gets us to our Heavenly reward. And ultimately, isn't that where we want to be? Isn't that the reward we all long for?
Thank you, God for each annoying, difficult, frustrating moment with my children today. I know you are drawing me closer to you!
