Lauren and I were visiting Monday morning. She said she and Bob had taken the children to their deer lease and had a wonderful time. Then came the shocking part. Lauren said, “Cameron got to shoot her .22 caliber rifle for the first time.” Those words sent chills down my spine.
Then, even more disturbing, Lauren told me Cameron was also taking Kung Fu lessons and Cameron’s grandfather believed they were training Cameron to be an assassin. I agreed with Cameron’s grandfather.
I love and adore Cameron. Even though she is only six years old, she is a force to be reckoned with. I am convinced she is either going to be a future President of the United States or mafia boss. It could go either way. Right now the odds are about fifty/fifty.
The point to this meandering story is that even though I don’t know why Bob and Lauren are training Cameron to be a member of Seal Team Six, I do know they truly love their daughter and want her to have a relationship with Jesus. By their example, they are teaching Cameron to be a Christian. In the end, that’s what matters most.
This is exactly what Solomon meant by saying, “Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.“ (Proverbs 22:6 CEB)
While many parents strive to give their children good educations, great medical care, nice clothes, manners, and everything their child’s heart desires, the true litmus test for those who practice our faith is whether or not they are raising their children to know the One who will always walk with them and eventually bring them to their true home. This is what Bob and Lauren are doing with both their children. Even though I don’t understand why they are raising Cameron to be a mixed martial arts cage fighter, they’ve got the religion thing nailed down. That’s all a pastor can ask for.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please bless the parents of our church as they raise children in this confusing time of COVID-19. Guide them to make right decisions and to be good examples of being faithful to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Someday in the future, don’t be surprised when you see Cameron’s face either on a billboard asking for your vote for president or on the wall at the post office on the FBI’s Most Wanted poster. But know either way, her parents raised her the right way.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 