Me and My Kids

I'm just returning from my 5:30 AM gathering of the three amigos and the subject of maturity was part of our discussion. I love hearing my brothers talk about things because it opens my mind and imagination. While discussing maturity I envisioned my two sons and daughter trying to jump on my lap to ask me for advice. This mental picture became very awkward because both of my sons are in their 30's and my daughter is 28. It is much easier to remember them doing this when they were little children but for them to jump in my lap right now would be a bit repulsive and awkward. My boys are much bigger than me and my daughter just wouldn't think of doing that anymore.

My kids are at a different stage in their life and so they wouldn't think of approaching Dad the same way they did when they were 6 years old. This is very easy to understand in the natural family but I don't think many of us who have come to know the Lord understand this in our spiritual life. When we are young in the Lord we can jump on the Father's lap as well but we cannot do this for the rest of our life. The real sign of maturity in the Lord is when we begin to make decisions based on our up bringing. If our maturing has been stunted then we are in an awkward relationship with the Father.

I used to think that age had a lot to do with maturity. I'm not so sure now. I know some very young people that show great signs of maturity and I know some older folks that never seemed to have grown up. There are a number of us in the Body of Christ that are still sitting around doing nothing and being fed pablum at a very old age. We are behaving like career students that never seem to graduate and go on into life's work.

We will always be sons and daughters to the Lord but His goal for us is to become mature and into the full stature of His son. As for my kids, I'm glad they don't jump on my lap anymore. I love seeing them make their own decisions and lead their own lives. I'll be there if they need me but I get real joy out of seeing them make their own choices. I am very proud of my kids. They are all very responsible young adults. We need to give the Lord this same joy by going on into maturity. It will bless Him as well.