By Tom Smith
Noble Warriors offers many resources for younger (than me) men who have children and struggle with the day-to-day activities of raising them. Admittedly, it is exceedingly difficult in today’s world. I am retired, having “been there and done that” for 45 plus years. Strange as it may seem, two of my favorite verses from God’s Word have one thing in common – being old!
“I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25
“Grandchildren are the crown of the old, and the glory of sons is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6
Being old comes with great perspective.
Here are just a few of the challenges I remember that young dads and husbands face:
- Newborns – Diapers, feeding, sibling rivalry, and a very tired wife and mom. Did I mention diapers and feeding?
- Toddlers – Diapers, messes, learning to eat, more messes, learning to walk and talk, and a very tired wife and mom.
- Adolescents – Soccer, baseball games, teenage drama – lots of drama, late-night conversations with kids, some tense parental discussions, and a very tired mom and dad.
- Elementary, middle, high school, college, and weddings – When I was in this stage of life, I thought it would never, ever end and would go on forever. PANIC!
But it did end, and all too soon, I might add. I realized at that point that all the “stuff” from the birth of my children to now – remember, I am old – was a huge, amazing gift from God. Today, in addition to my two amazing daughters, I have two wonderful sons-in-law and six incredible grandchildren.
So to the young fathers and husbands who are not quite as old as I am, I’d like to offer some thoughts:
- Men, love your wives. The most important thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. This sets an amazing example.
- Recognize that your children are a work in progress, and you have much input into that work. But good work takes time – lots of time, and work – lots of work.
- It takes wisdom to see your investment in your kids just as you would any other long-term investment. Be patient, kind, and loving as you wait for the return.
- Hang in there and hang on to the Lord! He has an awesome blessing for you if you persevere.
Back to being old – we will all grow old, and we will leave behind everything we have built, accumulated, or achieved in our lifetime. I hope you grasp that fact. As I, you, we grow older, remember that your children and grandchildren will carry on your legacy.