National Son and Daughter Day

August 11, 2017 (Friday)
Today is “National Son and Daughter Day,” and parents are urged to spend some time with their sons and daughters today. It also happens to be the birthday of our oldest child, David, who celebrates his 63rd birthday today (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID!), His brother Dan is 61, his sister Debbie would have been 58 this month, his sister Dianna is 54, and his brother Dwight is 50. All are college graduates and a few graduated with honors and/or have advanced degrees. I cannot spend time with all of them today, but I can publicly thank the Lord for them and the blessings they have brought to me through the years.
David and Janet, his wife, are proud grandparents of 3-year-old Claire. She is my only great grandchild. I have nine grandchildren; two are married. I am thankful for all of them. Five are college graduates, and the others are working on it.
The song, “Mary Did You Know” includes the line, ‘Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?” I remember when each of my children came to Christ and I had the privilege of baptizing each of them. Each one made that decision for himself or herself and I know that he or she was very sincere in accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I am thankful that is so.
The Bible says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV).
The hymn says, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” I’m counting those blessings today. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”