Childrearing With the End in View: A 3-Day Parenting Planনমুনা

The Holy Prize

The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Mothers and fathers who build close relationships with their adult children experience one of the greatest satisfactions in life. As a son, I (JCD) have many fond memories of special moments with my parents during my adult years, and as a father, I cherish more than ever the times I’m with Danae and Ryan now that they’re grown. Yet there is an even greater reward for parents. Our days on this earth will eventually end—perhaps much sooner than we think. The real goal for moms and dads, then, is to enjoy their children not just in this temporary existence, but also in the eternal life to come.

It is the nature of God’s loving design for families that parents and children be separated for a time, then permanently reunited in heaven. When the Lord calls me across the threshold, I know that my father and mother will be waiting with open arms to welcome me. And one day not so long after (if probabilities prove accurate), I will be doing the same for my own kids. What glorious moments those will be!

This is the reward that surpasses all others—a joyous family reunion that lasts forever. I pray that you will continually nurture your children’s relationship with Jesus so that your family achieves the “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8) promised to the faithful.

Before you say good night . . .

• Do you and your children look forward to eternity together in heaven?
• Do you agree that achieving eternal life through Jesus is the most important objective for us and our children?

Fill our hearts, O Lord, with this wondrous vision…forever with You, forever with each other in the place You have prepared for us. Whatever else this life may hold for us—wealth or honor, trials or suffering—nothing compares with the thought of a family reunion in heaven. May it be so for all of us, we pray. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Parents, used with permission.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matt. 6:19-20, ESV)

For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:15-17, ESV)

Epilogue

With all the responsibilities of parenthood—changing dirty diapers, applying bandages to scraped knees, checking homework, driving to games and lessons, taking photos of the prom dress or tuxedo—it’s hard to imagine that one day it all will end. You won’t stop being a parent and loving your sons and daughters, of course, but you will come to a point where you will say, “It’s done. I’m finished. I’ve given my children all the insight and guidance and wisdom I can, and unless they ask for more of my help, it’s now up to them.”

When that moment arrives, we urge you to cherish it. Celebrate! You’ve participated in one of the great privileges of life—preparing young souls for a bright future on earth, and an even better one in heaven. If you’ve given your all and tried to follow the plan laid out by our heavenly Father, you’ll have the great satisfaction of hearing those wonderful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your master’s happiness!” No reward could be more fulfilling.

To encourage you and help you anticipate that incredible moment, we leave you with this prayer from our hearts:

Heavenly Father, I yearn to be the kind of parent that You desire of me. My highest ideal on this earth is to hear Your approval of the way I lead my children. Yet I feel so inadequate! It’s frightening to realize how much my own example will influence my children in what they do, and in what they believe about You. But I take comfort in knowing that You only expect me to do the best I can. Thank You for the positive parenting examples You’ve given me in my own family and elsewhere, and for the eternal, guiding wisdom of Your Word. Help me to lead and teach to the best of my ability the beloved sons and daughters You’ve placed in my care. I pray most of all that our family circle will remain unbroken when we gather to celebrate and praise Your name in heaven. Thank You for my kids! Amen.

God bless you and your precious children . . . and don’t forget to turn out the light.

Jim and Shirley Dobson