No Greater Joy

I’ve had my share of life’s difficulties; most people at my age have.  But I’ve also had a lot of life’s joys.  Among the things at the top of my joy list are the privilege I have had to partner with God and my husband in creating two new lives and raising them to become grown men who now live on their own.  I have enjoyed every phase of their lives, watching them move from helpless babies to fully capable adults – complete with first steps, language development, school, extracurricular activities, graduations, colleges, and adult activities like marriage and careers.

But 3 John 4 best describes the pinnacle of my joy as a mother: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  While the apostle John was referring to the churches that he had helped to start or nurture in the first century of Christianity, this verse aptly speaks to me as well. 

There are lots of reasons as a mother to have joy: children who are healthy; watching children learn and grow throughout their childhood; participating with them in activities that are fun and bring laughter; experiencing moments that bring pride in their accomplishments or abilities; and many more.  All mothers can usually find numerous reasons to be joyful while they’re raising their children.

But this verse reminds me that those wonderful reasons only bring a form of joy that is lesser.  As a Christian who sought to raise Christian children, there is no greater joy for me than to know that my children are choosing to walk in truth.  Even if walking in truth means that they aren’t very popular with their peers.  Even if walking in truth means trusting God for every step when others trust in themselves and might look more successful (by the world’s standards).  Even if walking in truth makes them different and less “normal”.  Even if walking in truth gains them only the approval of One.  And even if walking in truth is a painful or difficult path for them.

Thank you, Lord, for the Spirit’s role in helping me to discern truth and teach it to my children.  Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to experience pain in front of my children and model for them trust in you and the lack of fear that your presence brings.  Thank you, Lord, for helping my children to choose to trust you to lead them into whatever you know is best – even when it hurts.   Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of having the greatest      joy . . . to know that my children walk in truth.