A Reason to Pause

Parenthood. 

That word has seemed a distant reality for quite some time. There is so much responsibility and privilege wrapped up in that word and there is also some fear and anxiety in that word as well.

As we have been filling out LOTS and LOTS of paperwork, I've said a few times already that people who are having children biologically should have to do this much paper work before having a kid. It really makes you stop and think of the enormous responsibility it is to become a child's parent.

Then you hear the painful news of a 21 year old son of a family from the church I grew up in who passed away in his sleep.  This is a reason to pause.

To pause and consider the magnitude of the grief his parents and family are experiencing. To pause and ask do I really want to sign up for this thing we call parenthood with the possibility of getting that phone call with horrible news about your child?

To pause and consider the Lord's promise to never leave us or forsake us. To pause and consider the years, days and moments he does bless us with and rejoice in the promised eternity we will spend with him if we know him.

To pause and consider the grief the Father experienced as he watch the Son suffer and die for the sins of the world. To pause and consider the grief we cause the Father each time we choose the things of this life over His ways.

He knows our every fear better than we know it ourselves. He is the Great Father. He makes parenthood possible.