Celebrate Your Children

God is a parent too, and He celebrates us!

“Tell us about the day we were born!”

So many times as we were driving somewhere our children asked for the story of their birth day. They heard it maybe hundreds of times, and yet, wanted to hear it once more. I still remember my own mom telling me the story of my birth.

There is a hunger in each of us to feel that we are loved; to feel that we belong; to be celebrated. Enthusiastically retelling all the details (if we left one out, they reminded us) of the wonderful day that each of our children arrived was like another celebration of their presence.

Recently I was reading about the law of biogenesis. Biogenesis states that life can only come from other life. The Bible assures us that God is the creator of all life (check out Colossians 1:16). He alone is the source from whom all life comes. Everything that God created, He created with intention and purpose. That includes you, me, and each of the precious children He has given to us. That truth alone verifies that we have value; that we have worth.

Scripture assures us that every child is a gift from the Lord, “fearfully and wonderfully” knit together in the womb. Bob and I were given three most marvelous gifts. And now we have been given seven (soon to be eight) marvelous grandchildren. If you have spent any time around me, you have likely heard about our delightful children and grandchildren. Okay, I know they are not perfect but they are indeed incalculably dear to us. And I believe every child needs to be considered in this way and enthusiastically celebrated every day.

Here are some ways we have learned to do this:

Recognize their uniqueness. Each child is and will forever be the only one ever created just like them. Look for ways to praise and encourage their individuality.

Tell them all the time how much they are loved and appreciated. Tell them how much they are needed in the family. Remind them God created them exactly who they are. Let them know how grateful you are that God gave them to you and your family.

Spend as much time with them as you are able. Let them know you enjoy their company. Thank them for spending time with you.

Make an effort to be positive and encouraging, even when they have disobeyed. Discipline should give a child hope of becoming better at obeying. Discipline should not cause a child to feel like he is always failing.

Show your children respect. Listen to them with your ears and your eyes! Don’t make fun of their opinions or observations. Give them opportunities to express themselves and discuss their thoughts with you.

Hug them. Pat them on the back. Give them a thumbs up. Affirm them. Let them know they are doing a good job. Be their fan club!

Visiting my daughter’s home one day, my four year old granddaughter came into the room and informed me, “Grams, I am so beautiful!” IT was not a prideful statement. It was a confident description of herself. Indeed she is a beautiful little human. And that is an example of a celebrated child.

No kidding, parenting is difficult. We parented on our knees most of the time, crying out to God to help us do the right thing. I’m sure you have experienced the same. Remember, God is a parent too. He celebrates you and me every time He looks at us or thinks about us, which is every moment of every day. He understands and is ever ready and ever available.

You are doing a great jog, Moms! Keep up the good work, Moms! Now go find your precious, perfect children and give them a celebratory hug!