The Gift of Stewardship

Long before I ever saw their impossibly tiny fingers or their bright blinking eyes, God had already placed eternity in the hearts of my children.

For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well. ~ Psalm 139:13-14

Fashioned with wisdom from the only Creator, each one is unique. There is no one quite like them (or you!) on this planet of over 7.5 billion. There is no one quite like them in all of human history, the arc of humanity from the garden until the end of time.

Before there was a heartbeat, he knew their heart. And he also knew mine. He placed us together, parent and child, knowing us both.

I am a steward then of these souls fashioned in the image of God himself.

So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them. ~ Genesis 1:27

My aim should not be to form them into a mini me but instead to steward the gift – the gift they are, as well as their own unique talents. To instill a love of the Lord, a love for others and a love for what is right. And like Hannah, to give them – lead them – back to Him.

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” ~ 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)

And God will help us in this task, both parents and children and every generation, until He brings us home.

For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations. ~ Psalm 100:5

Photo by Sabine Ojeil on Unsplash