First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the Boomers, the Busters, the Boomlets, and Generation X. Now we have the DINCs, which stands for Double Income, No Children. I'm not talking about those who are unable to have children or who postpone having children until their financial crisis or mega-time-commitment to career has stabilized. I'm referring to those who are determined not to have children. Ever. Period. If this is your situation, please consider what follows.
Those of us who have crossed the Rubicon into parenthood know all about the liabilities involved--expenses, additional stress, unasked-for criticism, awakening to cries at 3 A.M. We also know its joys--a baby's smiles, that first step, the first words, clapping for the little league big play, giving away the bride to a worthy man. And, well, yes, we know about the challenges it presents us--having to be more responsible and less impulsive, coming home on time, planning ahead, having to set a good example, having your inconsistencies and little hypocrisies exposed.
It is in this last area--parenthood's challenges--that its greatest blessings lie. Children force us to become less self-centered, to think of another person's interests ahead of our own. It is true that God will also be teaching DINCs to become unselfish, but the learning process will probably be more drawn-out and difficult for them. What I'm saying is that children can be the chisel God uses to sculpt us into the image of Jesus Christ. Those loving relationships you form with your children can pull you through any trials.
The Bible is quite clear about the value of children: "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 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" (Ps. 127:3-5 NIV). Of course, what is true of fathers and their sons is also true of mothers and their daughters.
All of this, and we haven't even mentioned relieving the emptiness felt by all of us PODWOGs (Parents of DINCs Without Grandchildren)! Think about it!
Copyright ? 2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.
Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.
Go to his deeperstudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."
car service from Midway Burlington .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareMost people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
21 Reasons I Love Being A DadWhat you will read... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Here's some of the bad news about sedentary lifestyles:? Forty... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God, and... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
Did you know that cooking with your kids is a... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
IntroductionAs a parent who wants the best for your children,... Read More
Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More
Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
(Excerpted from Jim Rohn's 2004 Weekend Leadership Event)You have to... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
It was the homework that did it. Each night became... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
Imagine you were the principal of the school that your... Read More
You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
Sitting by her Pinocchio lamp, she smiled at me as... Read More
Recently, our family had the opportunity to care for sisters'... Read More
Parents are always looking for ways to open up the... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
When it's time to put your child into a daycare... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More
Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the... Read More
Dexedrine is not prescribed very often for the treatment of... Read More
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD,... Read More
Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent more than the... Read More
What is in a name?The answer is everything!Jo J. of... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
Nurture and TeachThe single most important thing caregivers can do... Read More
Parenting |