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 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart – Philippians 1:7

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Have you seen an image that brings back a powerful memory in your mind? Something that reminds you of a great joy. This is what a parent should feel every time s/he sees her/his child. A mother carries a child for nine months! She goes through different transformations – from psychological, physical, to emotional and even spiritual. Could God have made the pregnancy period shorter and easier? I believe he could have made it a lot shorter, yet he chose not to. We should enjoy the fruit of our labor and that includes our children.

Many parents are focused on the wrong priorities. They loose the joy of parenthood, simply because of the cares of this world. “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:3-9).

Paul was a diligent spiritual father. He cared deeply for the spiritual health of his children and cherished them deeply. He knew their faults and shortcomings, but he kept hope for their future. He saw them not only for who they were but also for who they were going to become. And that brought him joy. Because a fruit can not be eaten before the right season.

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Let’s Pray For You

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, open the eyes of our understanding, so we may see and hear your perfect will for the fruit of our labour, including our children – in the physical, as well as in the spirit. Amen. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

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