The Blessings of Children
by Bill Parsons

In January, my wife painted tiny faces on peanuts in the shell, tied blue or pink ribbons around their middles and began handing them out.   Maybe you received one of these peanuts—her way of announcing that our first grandchild was just that size.  We were so excited.  It seemed the due date was  too far away. How could we stand to wait that long?  I‘ve decided God gives parents nine months to prepare for raising a child, and grandmas nine months to buy baby things.  The only disadvantage to the long wait is that Teri found the one place she can spend money.  How can such small pieces of fabric be that expensive?

This grandchild of ours (sex still unknown) will join our large families on both sides.  Grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are eagerly anticipating another little one at our frequent gatherings.  I can almost see the tiny bundle being passed from one relative to another.  Unconditional  love for this child is forming and growing even as the small body is being created.  He or she won’t need to do anything to earn it – just show up!

In addition to the family, our son Isaac and his wife Amber are involved in a church that is also experiencing a baby boom.    What an advantage to have brothers and sisters in Christ to share the journey of parenthood!  Isaac was three when we came to Elim and grew up in this church.  He had Sunday School teachers who taught him the Word, youth leaders who guided his activities and  friendships he formed here that lasted through many years.   We are looking forward to watching our own son become a father and commit to raising his child in the Lord and are forever grateful for other Christians who invested in his life. 

God has blessed Elim with many new babies and young families¸ giving us the opportunity to encourage the parents and invest in the growing children.  As we anticipate our own grandchild’s arrival, we are amazed at God’s perfect plan for family and fellowship.  We are excited to see a new generation growing up at Elim and can’t wait to see how God will use us all to accomplish His will.