Whenever I look at this photo, and others like it that will proceed it, I will be reminded of three Bible verses.
1. Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
I know I have probably caused the occasional bit of exasperation for my son... but it's the second part of the verse that always stood out as most important to me. I set out to bring my son up in the training and instruction of God even before he was born - because I knew that is what my father did for me and my two brothers. And I think, so far, so good - I've not caused him too much exasperation because of the blessing of the Lord on his life and God opening my son's heart and mind to His teaching.
2. Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
This one stands out, because for whatever reason, the good Lord blessed my wife and me with a son who took very well to the training he received, and is obedient and true. He has honored his father and mother by the way he has carried himself throughout his life. So far, so good - if he continues to pursue the course he has selected so far, then it may end up going very well with him and he might just enjoy long life on the earth.
And 3. Matthew 25:21
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
I made a commitment to God, many years ago, that if I didn't do anything else right in this world, if He could help me raise a son in the way God wanted, I would make it my life's goal to get this one thing right. Whenever I see this picture. And others like it to come, a small selfish part of me can't help but wish I could hear these words from my God. I long to know that what started as one small child on this earth, I fully invested in for a lifetime, and the results would not only please God enough to say this to me... but to my son as well.
Is it self-righteous of me to even wish something like this? I don't know. All I know is, my son's coming to a time in his life where many things will change. I can't help but tell myself, and my wife - I think we did alright. The rest is up to him. And of course what God wants for him.
But I still say, when I see this picture, and others to come, I have to tell myself...
So far... so, so good.