Nurtured!

"May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars, cut for the building of a palace."

(Psalm 144:12)

There's an interesting analogy in Psalm 144 about children. The author is asking for God's blessing on their children... that their sons may be like "plants full grown," and their daughters like "corner pillars, cut for the building of a palace."

Like plants full grown... interesting choice here. Not "warriors primed for battle" or "wise kings" or "mighty fortresses." No. Plants. Plants have a variety of uses: food, shade, medicine, shelter, etc. And full grown means they've matured. They've reached their intended potential! Of course to get there, plants need constant care (which is where parents, friends & family come in) throughout life. I kind of like that analogy!

Like corner pillars... Our daughters grow up to be the cornerstones of life. They often become the foundation on which just about everything is built: families, organizations, businesses, churches, communities, governments, etc. It may not look like an attractive analogy (especially compared to a full-grown plant)... but I dare say it's even more vital! May our daughters be the pillars on which the palaces of life are built! Hear hear!

Thank you God for your gift of our children. Not just my own, but ALL the young men & women you've put in my life (including the PUMC church families and the PUMES families!). Help em to nurture them into who you've called and created them to be. AMEN.