Thoughts on getting a vision for the little years:

There are all sorts of ideas out there about mothering, children, life’s purpose, and all that. But you know what all those things have in common? God. He is the author of them. Motherhood was His design, children are His creation, and purpose was in His mind before the foundations of the world. So doesn’t it make sense to find out what His ideas are?

I want to see this life, this season, this moment through the lens of the Word. And I’m praying that the smudges and fingerprints of carnal thinking and worldly tradition will be wiped away, allowing a clearer view of Him and His desire for me. I need to know: What does God say and think about children? Knowing His thoughts, meditating on them, allowing them to change my heart — that gives vision on a foggy day.

So what does the Bible say about children?

Lots!

But an overriding theme? They are given as a blessing. Not a gag gift. Not a jokes-on-you, sleight of hand. A blessing. From God.

They are miracles, not the sum of a biological equation. They are people of beauty, destiny, and purpose:

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them. (Psalm 139)

Perhaps most gripping? They are worth the blood of Jesus. And they need it. We probably won’t read that in any popular magazines, but it is the most important truth of all: our children are sinners who need a Savior. Children aren’t just special because babies are cute, toddlers are precious, and they all grow too fast. No, they’re special because they are people who need to hear about Jesus and His saving grace. We need to hear the Lord asking, in regard to our children, “Who will go?” And it is our privilege to answer, “Send me!”

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And so we meditate on these truths, allow them to change our hearts — and our vision becomes clearer.

We are stewarding precious gifts.