The good old days 

In Job 29 we find these words, "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime....and my children were around me..." I wish I could sit down, one-on-one, with every young parent I know and say, “remember the creator…”

The writer of Ecclesiastes 12.1 said, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them' - "

The good old days. 

I've been looking at old photographs, scanning some into the computer to make CD's for family members. The memories that come attached to these old photos are almost overwhelming. There are sights, sounds, smells...memories, that seem from another lifetime. It was, indeed, another era.

I'm not the same person that was in those old pictures. Oh, sure, the same DNA and Social Security number, but my values have changed just as surely as has my waistline, hairline, and the color of my beard.

My greatest regret, or sense of remorse, is knowing that I impacted my little family at the most vulnerable time in their lives and development with values that were so immature and inadequate in view of eternity.

"Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house..." Yes, that's part of the problem. I didn't really understand how God's intimate friendship and blessing was upon me and mine. I was too full of ambition, trying to be somebody, seeking others approval, to understand the richness of God's intimate friendship and blessings.

So, what would I say now to some young parent? I probably would begin by entreating them, as humbly as I possibly can, to see how rich and wonderful life is for them with their precious little family.

I would endeavor to help them know that the greatest treasure a mom or dad can possess is the brief time they will have with their children. I want them to understand how each child looks at their mommy and daddy as the most important people in the world. Could I help them feel the great sense of pride and well-being that fills a child when they know that mom and dad are proud of them and love them?

How can I tell a young parent that every time they ignore their little one, or brush them off, it crushes a bit of life out of that child? Can I help them see that there are tears and fears that never brush the face - but choke and suffocate the little one as surely as if there was a great weight pressing down upon his or her little chest?

Is it possible to help an ambitious mommy or daddy to understand that crushed and hurt little children soon grow into bigger bodies but never outgrow the pains of their childhood?

Mommy, Daddy, hear me - please? Right now, for you, are the best of days and the best of times. There will be plenty of time in the future for you to try to be 'somebody.' But, right now the most important person you could ever be is to be a loving, caring, compassionate, forgiving, encouraging hero to your kids.

Make them number one in your life and priorities! Teach them the love and tender compassion of God by the way you love them. Live your life with the understanding that every look, every action, every word and every minute of your life is being watched very closely by young eyes who worship and adore you...and want you to love them!

Make your children your number one priority and your life will come together in pleasant places. You will find that your success is sweet. As time flies and money, status and possessions no longer mean much to you - you will look back and know that the greatest achievement and dearest blessing has been your family.