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I received today in my inbox a weekly devotional/commentary which God used to speak through.

He has used... and has been using my life's experiences working with youths (first in youth ministry and now back in school) to show me how He really really loves me.

Children have the power to transform us in a variety of ways. They enhance our sense of vulnerability, and so they may incline us toward greater dependence on God. Knowing that in our children our stake in the well-being of this planet extends beyond the years of our own lives may provoke a greater sense of responsibility about the environment. And of course, child rearing is an excellent school for learning virtues like patience and self-control. (Roberts, Taking The Word to Heart, 223)

There're so many times the heart has ached... patience and self-control indeed.

[People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. TNIV]

In this incident Jesus's disciples acted as bouncers, preventing the little children from being brought to Jesus. In doing so the disciples were merely reflecting the values of the day. "In the ancient world, children had no status. They were easily ignored and barred access because no one would take the trouble to complain and fight for them" (David E. Garland, Mark, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, 381-382).

By his anger, Jesus reveals His heart and reveals what God really thinks of children. God values children and does not see them as second class to adults. (Is this aspect of God's heart reflected in our churches?) There is nothing here about children being more innocent than adults. All of us who have had to raise children know that original sin manifests itself early. What
is highlighted is the children's powerlessness. It is their powerlessness that enables them to receive the blessings of God.

Deep down all of us long to be held by Abba Father and to be blessed by Him. As we carry our children and bless them we are reminded that we have a heavenly Father who wants to carry us and bless us. If we eliminate children from our lives, we lose this sacramental reminder of how much God loves us.

I hope all these years of training would allow me to be a father that He's called me to be in the future... when the time comes. Hur. :)

And in the meantime, I know there will be times I will have to contend with recalcitrant irresponsible behaviour... and habits that some really can do without.

Like how Pa has always done so for me, disciplining, nudging...

Peace in the midst of chaos and uncertainties.

Joy as the birthright of a Christian.

Love... from the Source.

This is what we call... blessedness. Eh. Sounds like the title of a song. Hahahaha...

Thank you brother Soo Inn for the commentary! :)