As I get older, the idea of giving gifts, especially to my wife and kids, brings me great joy. Now, I still haven’t figured out some gifts for my wife. So, sometimes, it is a swing and a miss. However, bringing joy to those you love is a blessing. I have never been one to purchase a gift for myself. Yet, this year was different. No, it wasn’t a PS5 or even a new piece of technology, but a family portrait.
While insignificant to some, this photo represents growth in my life and thankfulness to the Lord. My wife and I have been married for 16 years, and for a good portion of that time, we have never hung photos on the wall. We may have had a picture here of there in our bedroom but never for all to see. As a young child, there was a lot of insecurity for me. I lived between homes. There were times I lived with my mother, extended times with my grandparents, and visited my dad & second mom out of state. I say insecurity because the reality of living in a house with a mother and father is the security every child needs in their lives. I am not trying to downplay my life or have some pity party, because I have been truly blessed with my parents. One of the reasons I believe that I married so young was to start a family with a wife with whom I physically shared a home.
For me, the simple act of hanging a family photo on the wall of my home says this is the place our kids have security and love. For years, I wrestled with the insecurity that wherever I lived could suddenly change, so why put down any roots? Part of this insecurity came from not trusting God to sustain and keep us no matter our lot. I think we often downplay the home as if it doesn’t matter, but indeed it does. God created marriage for a reason. While two people can live together, cook for each other, and pay bills together, there is only one way you can become one flesh, and that is marriage.
The best gift you can give your children is to remain faithful and in love with your spouse. Let them see and feel the security that the home brings. My prayer is when my kids get older, they can say they are coming back home. While the photos on the wall may be different, I pray the family they know will still be the same. A Father and Mother, loving each other with Christ as the foundation. I pray they don’t remember a perfect home. Yet, one that was daily in need of the Gospel. Where mom and dad, repented before the Lord and to them as well. A home where grace resided and the Christ we preached, met us daily with his fresh new mercies. I recognize, my children don’t understand what they have right now. However, I pray as they grow older, they will give thanks to the Lord that the photos on the wall represented the stability and Christ-centered love they had growing up. I also hope and pray that that they too will marry and raise their children in the same fashion.
What gift are you thankful for this Christmas?
Home Page 