I remember so vividly the day our son was born. One does not easily forget thirty-six hours of labour and then an emergency C-section. I was actually in the hospital for a week following his birth and when the day came to go home, I was so nervous. This new, wee life entrusted to us was so precious and neither Gord or I had any experience with infants. I had only babysat my neighbour's granddaughter once as a teen, and it didn't go well. I had to call my mom for help. Now, my husband and I were responsible for the life of our little boy.
Children indeed are a gift from the Lord, but as I reflect on this verse, my heart is tender to those who have never married or who have never been able to have children. As much of a blessing that children, (and I will add grandchildren), are to a family, they are just one of the many gifts with which God blesses us. The Lord grants us blessings in many ways. I think when we read a scripture verse that possibly makes us feel broken because we have not experienced this particular gift, we have to recognize all the other ways that God bountifully blesses.
As believers God's gifts to us include:
- spiritual gifts (2 Corinthians 12:7)
- salvation, grace, faith (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 9:15)
- eternal life (Romans 6:23)
- the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
- the fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:22-23)
- the Lord, as Heavenly Father, gives good gifts in response to our asking (Matthew 7:11)
- every good thing is a God-gift (James 1:17)
- seeking the Lord is rewarded (Hebrews 11:6)
Other rewards from God come in recognition of our faith. Think about when hope rises through despairing situations. That is a gift from the Lord. What about unspeakable peace in troubled times? The gift of being loved. The blessing of strength in weakness, or joy and laughter in times of grief. Consider the times the Lord showers us with mercy and forgiveness. Knowing His guidance is a gift. Life is a gift. Daily breath is a gift. The gift of His presence, and the beautiful opportunity He gives us to come to Him in prayer. The gift of fellowship and community with other believers.
Children are indeed a gift, and I will be forever thankful for the blessing of our son, but there are so many other ways that the Lord gifts and rewards. Sometimes we can become so fixated on one particular gift, we miss all the others the Lord is continually lavishing on us.
"All the things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know Him better, love Him more surely, and serve Him more faithfully." - Ignatius of Loyola
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