Who's in charge of your house (part four)

Psalms 127:4-5
4. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 5. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

You've heard it said that children are a blessing from the lord. These verses take it a little farther than that and give us a practical reason why.

Having kids means more than having to spend more money on tuition. It means they will defend the honor and reputation of the family. These days, unless your a Klingon, this idea may not mean much to many people. In biblical times though families tended to live close to each other and be in business together. Solomon, being king, probably understood this better than most. Just imagine all of the politics that must have been going on in the gates of the city where most business was conducted. Solomon's children had to deal with this "when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Although, I would not want to be the man speaking ill of Solomon while one of the princes were walking by. Even young children can become very agitated if they feel that someone is insulting their mother or father. You might remember being a kid arguing with on of your classmates when all of a sudden the LINE was crossed. Your foe utters the words "YO MAMA...". Many a war of words led to blows by reciting these almost magical words.

Today you don't see all the family businesses you would have back then. People don't have very large families today. And, when someone does, they tend to be ridiculed for it. Kids grow up and move far away from home. I believe we have lost some of what we were meant to have as families. We have become more concerned with a myriad of other things life throws at us. We have traded away families for material things, friends, and careers. We can still train our kids to put family first. The scripture speaks very unfavorably to those who ignore this. Proverbs 11:29 NIV, Proverbs 14:1 NCV, Matthew 12:25 NIRV

To whom will you call on when you contend with the enemies at your gate? Maybe a friend or two will lend a hand, but they have burdens of their own. Will your co-workers offer you shelter from the storm? I don't think a big house or a gold watch will save you either. I hope you have placed your family first in your life and they are there for you when you need them.

Just walk through any long term care facility. Most are lonely places filled with seniors who have very little family to care for them. It's not just nursing homes. I work with seniors everyday who have no family to come to their home or apartment to see them. One 93 year old lady comes to mind. Her only visitor is a nurse that sees her two hours every Wednesday. While I can not speak to the decisions that resulted in their current circumstances I can make sure I do everything I can to put my family first. I have no guarantee when I need my kids they will be there for me. All I can do is place them first in my life, teach them to do the same, and hope that my teachings sink in.