I am amazed and I gotta say, a little bit bewildered by some “parental posts” on social media today. And, for the record, I am not pointing out anyone in particular, nor am I calling out anyone by name.
I love it, I really truly do – love it…but let me remind you – it was not always so…this – was not always the case!!!
I would think, hope and pray that the parental support of this kind of a magnitude – could make “an amazing difference” in one’s future life!
(At least, I would hope that it would.)
As I read the various posts, I silently pray that the relationship will continue on this self-same pathway…for many, many years to come. That in – each and every case it will continue to be a blessing for all of those involved!
A child has a birthday – and mom or dad (if not both) post stellar, epic, impressive descriptions of this wonderful god-given child. (Say 7, 8, or 9 years of age)
They obviously feel compelled to do so. ‘Hopefully, it comes from the heart of hearts, and is indeed, truly meant.
I agree with the “supportive nature” of these posts…
I love reading these posts-“in-totality,” that seemingly fall – “just a stone’s throw short” of “full canonization.”
This little blessing from above is “witty” and is “kind,” they are “beyond generous.” They are “athletic “and keep the whole family up and about and in a constant range of motion. They are “wise” beyond their years. They are “the stuff,” that holds families – such as this one – together. They are “responsible,” “creative” and “fun loving.” They bring “a constant sense of joy” – to the family unit. Love you to the moon and back and then, love you, some more…
Sometimes, even grandpa and grandma join in with their own words of blessings.
Ah, to feel “so loved,” to feel “so supported!”
It is almost overwhelming… (Especially if you never heard those words before!)
Wow!
And, at the very same time that is a lot to strap on the back of any small child…of any age! Talk about your baggage!
Are they “responsible,” as well, when things begin to “sour” and “change” or as a family finds itself “in the midst of some kind of turmoil?”
My family of origin was not demonstrative. Not at all.
No outwards signs of public affection…EVER!
No huggy-bear, kissy-face.
No touches ever – of endearment. There were no “flowery” or “kind words” ever given. No worries, no surprises.
Nothing coming…
Your support is the roof over your head (Remember that!) and the food on your table. Shows you –you are loved-
I think saying things like “good job” or “nice work” would have been far and few in between…if at all. If you had a job to do, you were expected to do it – to the best of you ability. No other words necessary, except for maybe some corrective and harsh criticism,
here and there. We were not coddled!
Parents then did not show the kinds of support that is so very evidently shown for our young people today!
In Jesus’ day and time, children stood on the periphery of society. They were seen as being another mouth to feed. Boys were preferred over girls, because they could help with the manual labor.
In Jesus’ time it was believed that children were about 1/3 of the overall general population.
Children were often times sold into slavery at very young ages when their parents could no longer meet their various needs.
Children were considered to be among the dregs of society, they were among those who weighted us down and held us back. We have come a long way, baby!
There was little in the way of esteem or support rendered.
Children were often times left to fend for themselves. They were among the marginalized of most societies. They were not seen. They had no importance of their own. They contributed nothing and therefore, they were worth next to nothing.
And then along came Jesus, who lifted them up, who placed them on stage in the center for all to see.
It was Jesus who raised them up and brought attention to them. It was Jesus who offered them respect and honor. It was Jesus who referred to them as being, children of the most high God and brothers and sisters with us and heirs to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus did all this.
And look how far we have come! May your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and your nephews, and that crazy little boy- Tommy down-the-block, all be a blessing for you!
I pray it is.
Amen.