​Thankful for our Children

“Oh! Come here. Can you feel that?”
 
The exciting moments of the first flutter, when you feel your child moving in your womb.

“Oh honey! Come here! She’s smiling!”
 
The first smile, the first giggle.

“Go on. You can do it. Walk to Daddy!”
 
The anticipation and encouragement for the first steps.

Throughout your child’s life, there will be many firsts. As parents, grandparents and even on-lookers, we can feel the excitement and the joy. What a thrill to be around children!
 
Is that what you are thinking as you prepare this year’s Thanksgiving meal or sit around the festive table? Do you have a separate table-‘the kids table’? Do you shoo them out of the kitchen because they are under foot?
 
There is nothing wrong with having a kids table, or a specific area for the kiddos to play. The real question is, why do you? What’s your reasoning behind sending them away?
 
Psalm 127:3-5a
​Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
 
This Thanksgiving, when your son asks to mash the potatoes, let him. Yes, he’ll probably take a lot longer than you, make a mess and the potatoes might be lumpy. It’s ok. Be thankful that your son has the strength to mash and the love of work.
 
Today when your granddaughter gets a case of the giggles and rolls around on the floor while you are rushing to get the good china on the adult table, stop and laugh with her. Be thankful that your granddaughter can smile, laugh and roll around.
 
This holiday when the cousins play video games, ask if you can have a turn. Take the time to let them teach you. They’ll be so thankful you did. They’ll never forget the year you stepped into their world.
 
God’s promise is true everyday - children are a blessing. If men and women facing an unexpected pregnancy see your joy towards children, perhaps they will be more excited about the pregnancy, more willing to give the child life.
 
This Thanksgiving when the children at your celebration are loud and messy, take time to thank God for your quiver full of blessings. Be joyful around children for LIFE.

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Author: Katina Meinel

Katrina is a devoted wife and mother of four children. She homeschools all four children, nanny's two more, and keeps the home fire burning...quite literally in the outdoor wood burner. Her husband encourages her to share her gift of writing with the world.