Dr. Dobson's Parenting Devotional - Sept. 20
The Holy Prize
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Mothers and fathers who build close relationships with their adult children experience one of the great satisfactions in life. As a son, I (JCD) have many fond memories of special moments with my parents during my adult years, and as a father, I cherish more than ever the times I’m with Danae and Ryan now that they’re grown. Yet there is an even greater reward for parents. Our days on this earth will eventually end—perhaps much sooner than we think. The real goal for moms and dads, then, is to enjoy their children not just in this temporary existence, but also in the eternal life to come.
It is the nature of God’s loving design for families that parents and children be separated for a time, then permanently reunited in heaven. When the Lord calls me across the threshold, I know that my father and mother will be waiting with open arms to welcome me. And one day not so long after (if probabilities prove accurate), I will be doing the same for my own kids. What glorious moments those will be!
This is the reward that surpasses all others—a joyous family reunion that lasts forever. I pray that you will continually nurture your children’s relationship with Jesus so that your family achieves the “crown of righ-teousness” (2 Timothy 4:8) promised to the faithful.
Before you say good night…
- Do you and your children look forward to eternity together in heaven?
- Do you agree that achieving eternal life through Jesus is the most important objective for us and our children?
Fill our hearts, O Lord, with this wondrous vision…forever with You, forever with each other in the place You have prepared for us. Whatever else this life may hold for us—wealth or honor, trials or suffering—nothing compares with the thought of a family reunion in heaven. May it be so for all of us, we pray. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
