[354 words]
I wish I would not have played so timidly during my high school basketball career. I wish I would not have taken chapel attendance as a suggestion my freshmen year of college. I wish, I wish, I wish… The list could go on and on in my life and I’m sure you could as well. There are so many things that we look back on and think, “I wish I would have.”
I was blessed, recently, with an opportunity to speak with a father about raising children. This man spoke to me about some decisions that he and his wife made throughout their children’s formative years. Toward the end of the conversation he said something that I’m sure resonates with many parents: “I wish I would have… ” This father was speaking specifically about the lack of faithfulness in his children. The father spoke about changing “this” and changing “that,” and how, if he would have done “this” differently then maybe his children would be faithful today. I can honestly say, I feel bad for this man.
I cannot imagine how painful it would be to see your children grown up into adulthood and living an unfaithful life. So here is my plea to parents: do not miss an opportunity with your children to promote faithfulness, love, and devotion to the Lord (Eph. 5:16-17). What you promote now, at whatever age your children are, will most likely be what they put value in now, and in the future. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). Promoting spiritual things is not always easy or convenient, but those who continue to do so will see results in the future.
Ultimately, I would imagine that all parents have things they wish they would have done differently. In light of that, consider each day as a blessing from God and an opportunity to promote faithfulness, love, and devotion to the Lord. Choose to take action for God so you will not look back and say, “I wish I would have… “
Austin Johnson
Calvert City Church of Christ
Calvert City, KY