A Very Special Father’s Day: What we have learned from having a third child!

[James Nored]

A Very Special Father’s Day: What we have learned from having a third child!

This Sunday is Father’s Day. While every Father’s Day is a wonderful day, this Father’s Day I am particularly mindful of the blessings of being a Father. Why? Because last Tuesday at 8:11 AM, our third child, Kaylee Paige Nored, was born!

This child was quite unexpected, but we she is such a blessing from God. There are a number of things that having children reminds me of about God and being a father. Here are some thoughts on this, drawn from Ephesians 1:4-6.

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

1. God loves us as much as we love our children--and even more (1:5). Just as we eagerly await the birth of our child, so God looks forward to our every move. While we as parents hope that our children make right decisions, we take our children for who they are--the good and the bad. Think of how much you love your children. Would you ever disown them? Intentionally hurt them? Of course not. As parents, we will always love our children, not matter what. So it is with God.
   
   
2. Being a Father is a pleasure (1:5). We often think of how blessed we are to be a child of God. But God also delights in us--that is why he made us. Paul says that God has us in mind before the creation, choosing us to be his children (1:4). God does not love us out of mere duty. He does not take care of us because of a court order. He does not grudgingly pay alimony. He loves to be with us--go to our recitals, see us take our first step, see us do well in school, see us be baptized, see us grow in love and forgiveness--just as we love to be with our children. He misses when we do not call, write, or “drop by.” He wants to be with us, and hopes that we want to be with him.
   
   
3. The Father freely gives of himself for us (1:5). A good father sacrifices for his children, working long hours to provide for them. He spends time teaching and explaining. He defends his children from harm. He would take a bullet for them. In the same way, God of himself, willingly sending his Son to die for us--and the Son willingly chose to come to earth.

I am blessed to be a father once again, and the birth of our third child reminds me of this. What would I do without Gina, Emily, and Kaylee? Fathers, let us be thankful of the great gift that God has given us. And children--remember to honor your father and mother. They love you deeply.

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers for me, Becki, and our entire family. You are such a blessing to us.

What do you learn about God from being a parent and having children?

[Zack Blaisdell]

James, praying for you to make a 100% recovery from your accident.

Congratulations to you and all your family in the birth of your third child. God bless you and your wife as y'all raise your three children to know and follow Jesus. Grace and Peace.