by Ricky Doc Sauceda
I think it is important to have good and godly children and the way this happens is by being godly parents. Our children see us live and learn from our instructions to them. This is how they become good people and how they develop their own traits with their wills (decisions).
I have had the greatest joy being a parent in my life. My children are good people and I have no shame of them in me. I raised them to be vocal about their individuality when it is threatened or discounted. I raised them to be good and caring people who are now respectable and treat others well. They are not bible toters and do not proclaim the kingdom as I do. But, they love God and are godly.
That being said...there has been disruption in their happiness due to the divorce of their parents. Even though they are all adult ages, they are reeling from the event. I have had the blame of this unhappiness placed on me...I accept it. I take full responsibility for their mental anguish.
I need to point out that we are not to judge each other...ever. The rule is:
Luke 6:37-38 - "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Know that we are to love unconditionally - just as God loves us in this way. No matter what our children do, we need to be strong and support them. One of mine remains with me and I love him with my heart, as I do towards his siblings. I seek to strengthen our bond as men in our present lives. He is a wonderful person who is thoughtful, intelligent and loves God on a personal level.
Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
My older two live in the Lord's ways by their daily example to those around them. They are sincere and logical and provide inspiration to their friends every day. This is a more outward way of carrying the love of God in their lives. I see a lot of good qualities in them and am very pleased with the people that they are.
Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
So, my three all have their own way of representing the Lord in their daily lives. They are people who live in the world and carry an understanding in their hearts and minds that life is special. Every day they are ready to support, care and inspire others by the very way they carry themselves. This is the way we are supposed to live.
They may not be holy by way of the Christian people we see every day...the ones who are visible and do good works. But, they contribute to the circle of people that they are with every day. I may not have the closest relationship to my adult children...but I know who they are. They are good and worthy of God's love and grace - as are all of us because the Lord loves all of his children.
Ephesians 5:1-2 - Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
I am not saying that they are angelic and saintly, but they are good people who do good things. But, like anyone else they can exhibit weakness, anger, fear and the entire gamut of emotions all people face in their lives. I love my children because I am their father and was a part of their daily lives as they grew up. They will always be a part of my life and I will always love them.
They are my greatest gift from the Lord and I am forever grateful for the experience of being a parent...a father. We have our ups and downs, but they will always have my love. I have seen how my friends endure in similar situations as me...but we love with big hearts and pray mightily for our children.
May the Lord bless you and yours.
Amen.