John ESENE

     Children are gifts from God to their parents and parents are gifts to their children too: children must accept their parents just as parents are expected to accept their children. There should be a very cordial relationship between children and their parents. Parents must not write off their children irrespective of their conditions neither should children ignore their parents for any reason. That is the more reason why there should be room for reconciliation whenever there is disagreement or misunderstanding between parents and their children, otherwise, the devil will creep in and dominate the family with unbearable and crucial hardships.

      The devil is making efforts to destabilize as many families as possible to ensure people within the same family rebel against each other and end up in hell. But with God on our side, we shall win the battle! Hence be close to God who cares for you and your relations. “Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

       Your children’s success in life largely depends on your support as a parent. You are obliged to lead them to greatness though they are special and unique with special talents. You should be proud of them irrespective of their situations. As a parent, you are in the best position to know how gifted they are and help them to develop their talents. So, interact with them regularly to know their talents and ensure they develop and utilize them to the full. Learn from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Our salvation history cannot be complete without mentioning the Holy Family.

      God may have destined your child to liberate you some day. Obama’s father abandoned him in US and returned to Kenya. He died before Obama became the first African/American to be the President of US. God has a reason for giving you your children: respect and provide for them and lead them to God for their salvation. “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Mt. 19:14.

        It is not enough for parents to have children without knowing who and what they are. It is true that parents love their children such that they have to labor, day and night to cater for them especially now that the economy of the nation has nosedived. But that is not enough for you to know very little or nothing about your children. The Lord who gave you these children is your strength and will supply your needs. May God protect you and your family in Jesus’ Name!

        Pope Francis asked his audience on April 9, 2019, “When mothers get exhausted and they scream at their children, is this wisdom?” They replied, “No!” Instead, when a mother takes the child and scolds him gently and says, “You don’t do this for this reason’ and explains with a lot of patience, is this God’s wisdom?” he asked and they answered, “Yes!” The Pope described the spiritual gift of wisdom as “seeing the world, situations, circumstances and problems with God’s eyes.” He concluded saying, “When we are in communion with the Lord, it’s like the Spirit transfigures our hearts and makes us perceive everything with his warmth and his liking.”

 

    “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” Mk10:14.  Your children are God’s special gifts to you and you are expected to guide them jealously as the apple of your eye and lead them to safety.

       Parents should have time to listen to their children to know their true problems so as to proffer solutions to them. It is no use telling your child what you think he has to say. Please listen to him patiently and prayerfully like Mary and Joseph did during their time. When you jump to conclusion without hearing the complainant, you will multiply his problem. Unless we learn how to listen to people, we may not be able to listen to God during our personal prayer.

      The moment of truth in a parent-and-child relationship is when a disagreement or conflict of need occurs. When you allow the idea of “I must win all the time” to ruin you, anger and violence will creep in when the other party raises objection.

                                    

       We have a lot to learn from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Mother Mary and Joseph guided the Child Jesus jealously like the apple of their eyes. At one time, they had to escape to Egypt with the Child Jesus when King Herod was anxious to get rid of Him. They dedicated their lives to His mission and successfully completed their assignment to the glory of God. We too are called to follow their example. Parents, care for your children as special gifts from God.

      Unless you sincerely care for the children God entrusted to your care (as special gifts), you cannot say in the words of Jesus Christ, “While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost” Jn 17:12.

     The parents of most of the Saints supported their children to achieve their objectives and were happy to have done so for God’s glory. Often times, we hear of parents who paved way for their only son to be a priest irrespective of their cultural value for male child. And God who strengthened them during their sojourn will reward them for their efforts and understanding beyond their expectations. The Church told us so much about the contributions Our Blessed Mother Mary and Her Spouse, St Joseph made to accomplish their assignments. We too should do our parts likewise! So, each time you find your family at the crossroad, appeal to the Holy Family for their intervention!