Happy Father's Day to all you incredible dads out there. Enjoy being spoiled today.
Having your first child is like stepping onto an unknown planet. Everything is rewritten -- your sleep, your time, your relationship dynamics. It's famously characterized by a steep learning curve. But above all, it brings a profound, unparalleled bond of love.
If you are the parents of grown children, let's remember that we serve a God who specializes in knowing what's best for our kids. When we embrace a life of faith and place our trust in a sovereign God, we say to him, "God, you know what's best for my children and I do not. I can't know the end from the beginning, but you know all that is going to work its way out." I love the story of the prodigal son. The father let the boy go. He couldn't predict what was going to happen, though he was much older and wiser than his son. He let him go because God should have his way in this.
When our children get older, they get complicated and act on their own. Sometimes we may disagree with their decisions. You're not going to change an adult child. If you try, you are going to make them bitter. I've learned something through the years and I'm going to pass it on to you at no extra charge. Are you ready? Here we go:
Anytime you offer unrequested advice you make things worse.
If they want advice they'll ask for it. If they don't ask, don't offer it. God should have his way in their lives. And sometimes his way is very different from ours. If you follow this principle, your life will change. You will rest rather than relentlessly search for a way to work it out. You'll back away and you'll be comfortable leaving the matter with God. This morning I just sat at my desk and prayed, "Lord, burn this truth into my heart. Make me a model of the kind of follower of yours who refuses to worry when things aren't going 'my' way. Your plan is far better than mine. You should have your way in my kids' lives. You have never made your first mistake. I'll rest in you."
P.S. Nice day for steps after church!