Monday, January 19, 2009

Train up a child

Well, it looks like that day is upon me (and my wife). It seems my oldest son is ready to pack up the few belongings that are his and go and make his own way.

I remember the summer he 'accepted' Jesus into his heart when he was about seven years old at vacation Bible school. But he will tell you through his testimony today that he was just a false convert. Just a couple years ago, however, God moved upon him and he saw how repulsive his sins were to the Creator. He repented of those sins and put his complete faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptised on the right side of salvation.

Since then he has been on fire for God. He knows the Scriptures, reads the right books and has been out on the streets with me witnessing to the lost. He challenges me with deep theological discussions and then blows me away with the discernment of God's Word.

I'm reminded of the verse from Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

It seems like yesterday he came from above into my life and now, this young man who I would die for, will soon depart into the world to start a new chapter of his life.

I know I made a lot of parenting mistakes along the way and I'm sure I'll make a few more with his younger brother, but I pray I have instilled in him a few bits of wisdom that will help him all the days of his life. Yes, he will make his own mistakes and blunders like we all have. But he has an advantage that most young men his age do not have; he knows the Lord.

He has the solid Rock of ages to build his life on.

Son; may God continue to work in your life and grow you into the man of God He wants you to be. May you always give Him, and Him alone, all the glory and honor that is due Him.

Remember - "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." 2 Chron. 16:9a

I love you,

Dad

5 comments:

Wretched Sinner said...

Dawg,
You've glorified the Lord with this post, and with how you've raise your son. I pray some day I can share the same testimony of my children. For His glory brother, His Glory!
-W.S.
(mike)

Question of Identity said...

Mike says it all!

Wayne you must be so pleased what God has done in your son's life! And what He has done through you for your son.

Praying for your son as his life turns into a new adventure. May God bless him, guide him and use him to His glory!

Neil

Susan Schulz said...

Awesome Wayne! What a wonderful way to make a Daddy proud. I, too, have been blown away by your son's wisdom and insight. Can't wait to see "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey says. :)

Joe A. said...

Aw, don't get me all teary, now. None of those good parts sound like me.

Genesis 4:7 - If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.

I just pray the door'd stay shut and locked.

Seperately from all that, I must say that I've been thoroughly blessed beyond what I deserve with Godly, loving parents. They are the best examples I've ever had in life, and their love for one another is the only model that gives me faith to look forward to finding a Godly wife for a lasting marriage in the far future.

Notice I said far. ;P

Anonymous said...

Wayne,

Wonderful post. It's as if you've given me a glimpse into my future and the place I would want to be in with my 14 month old son at that time.

Thank you.

In Christ,

Joe.