“Then the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel ( he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn we given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)...” 1 Chronicles 5:1-2

Today as I write this blog, it is the first day of school for most kids. I watched my grand girls leave for school today. They had their new outfits, backpacks full of new notebooks, binders, pens etc. and hearts full of anticipation, and some anxiety as well I am sure!

As parents, we see our kids walk into the school those first few days and our quiet prayer is: “Dear God, help them find the right friends and get good grades!” There is one thing however, that is a bigger deal than friends or grades, and that thing is: character. Good friends and grades will only carry us so far in life. Good character is what carries us through the storms and disappointments that come to all of us.

In 1 Chronicles 5:1 we are reminded of a guy, Reuben, who lacked good character and the wisdom which accompanies it. He was the first-born son of Jacob. When the blessings of his birthright were being given out, it passed him by because of a foolish lustful choice he made years before, and because of it he was disqualified. That birthright was passed to Joseph, a man who was rich in character. Joseph did not gain his good character by spending time on the beach, nor was the way before him set out beautifully, lacking all disappointments and struggles. Rather, his life was marked by them.

I have noticed that today some parents seem terrified of their child suffering disappointments or failing. They don’t want to see their kids struggle in any way. Any potential struggles are removed or dealt with by parents. Perhaps I am overstepping my point, but this is honestly what I have observed.

If our kids are never given the opportunity to struggle or face the challenges in life, good character will elude them. The most precious lessons are not found on the beach with every obstacle removed, it is through the struggles and hardships we face. This is not only true for adults, but for children as well.

May we have wisdom to know how to respond when troubles come to our loved ones. Some troubles we can step in and help with... but not all of them.

It is hard to watch our kids grapple with the challenges of life, but rather than removing every possible obstacle, invite them to call out to God and ask Him to lead them through the storm. They need to have the opportunity to grow and mature, which cannot happen when we are rescuing them from every possible challenge or disappointment.

Dear Father,

Thank you for my children. I pray that You would give me wisdom to know when to step in and when to stand back. It is so hard to watch them face difficult things, but I know it is necessary. As parents, we so deeply need your guidance and wisdom. Thank you Father,

In Jesus Name,

Amen