Are firstborn children “doomed” by inexperienced parents who make most of their mistakes on their first few children? I think not. This is significant because parents can spend so much time feeling like they???ve ???ruined??? their children by failing to parent effectively early on.

This is true is because a life is not ultimately in the hands of parents, but in the hands of a loving creator. Sure the parent is responsible for raising his child correctly, but God does not expect a parent to act according to knowledge that they don???t yet possess ??? ???For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required???. Parents have a tendency towards hyper-responsibility, and I believe we need to lay aside this burden to make room for the grace of God. For ourselves and for our children.

The grace of God is what can take a soul raised in the muck of this world and transform it from the inside-out. It can take a child raised without any moral guidance or training, living in a chaotic, sin-torn environment, loving the world and everything in it, into a holy child of God – and a devoted parent. It travels through the vehicle of our faith in God and His word. It was poured out in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and it seeps out of His own in the form of thankfulness and righteous living.

It is so important that we focus on partaking of and imparting this marvelous grace with our children. A fault which has become part of a child’s character due to parental mistakes (ouch), if it is obviously a form of grief for the parent, will become a wedge to separate parent and child.

On the other hand, if we relate with grace we are able to actively value that child, and this enables us to enjoy our children. For example, if your daughter, whom you know is rather lazy, cleans up the kitchen slowly, you may feel justified in showing little reaction (or even sadness) in response to her labor. But if you choose to smile and appreciate her each time (even if it is not done perfectly or as fast as you’d like), then she will feel valued as an individual and the child will be drawn to you, and ultimately to God. Once your attitude is under control, then you can begin steps to work on character.

We have the power as parents to draw a behavioral picture of how God relates to His children. However, God is a much better artist! So we needn’t despair. If our pictures have mistakes, we must trust that God will, in His time, fix that child’s picture with His own dear hands. God is so marvelous! “He makes all things beautiful in His time.”

Well, here goes! I am blogging now, thanks to meine wundebar Ehemann. Now what do I say? Maybe I’ll think of something by tomorrow…..:-)