Parental Gift

For a parent, it is hard to give away a child in marriage. In marriage, you do gain a son or daughter, but you still feel like you are losing something. For some parents, it is much easier to give away time and money than to give away a child in marriage. Even when you know in your heart it is absolutely God’s will, it is still difficult. However, this is another opportunity to point you back to God, for His timing is impeccable. It may still be hard to accept that marriage for your child is imminent.

You may reflect, “This soon-to-be married adult child can’t already be ready for marriage.” It seems like yesterday when he or she was still in diapers, puttering around and bumping into things as they learned to walk. Walking led to talking; talking led to reading; reading led to writing; and writing led to graduation. She or he graduated from kindergarten, middle school, high school, and college. You were there for their first step, their first day of school, their first sleepover, their first sickness, their first school play, their first athletic event, their first date, and hopefully, by God’s grace, their first and only marriage.

It is hard to entrust your baby to someone whom you have known for only a minimal amount of time. Even if this new in-law loves God, it is still difficult. You know in your heart this person is the one, and you know they are meant for each other. You know their character and maturity is robust and real. This is the right relationship, in the right way, for the right time. It is right. Now as the parent, you have to loosen your grip and let go. This is similar to the process you have gone through in each of your child’s transitions throughout life. During the good or bad stages, you held them with an open hand and trusted God with their lives. This is a transition of trust for you as you let them leave so they can cleave. (Mark 10:7)

God can be trusted with your adult child, as you have trusted Him in all other areas of your life. Your child is not exempt from this total trust. He will do a much better job of watching over them than you ever could with your limited time and wisdom. His influence is far-reaching, and its expanse is much broader and deeper than a parent ripe with the truest of character. This is the role of our heavenly Father; He takes care of your children because they are His children.

It is reassuring to know you co-parent with God to pull off this impossible task of parenting. You cannot do it by yourself, but with your heavenly Father, all things are possible. He is an expert in managing the process of your children leaving and cleaving. Your part is to pray and be a good parent.  God’s will is on display throughout this Christ-ordained marriage, for He has orchestrated a beautiful symphony of lives. Their harmony of love is uplifting and inspiring. Listen to the applause of heaven. So it’s time for celebration. As parents, you have done well and you can be proud. You have gained a son or daughter, and your heavenly Father is smiling and well pleased (Matthew 3:17).

Taken from the February 29th reading in Boyd’s 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God vol. 1” … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a

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