The purpose of parenthood is to train up the next generation in wisdom and fear of the Lord. King Lemuel’s mother knew the importance of training her son in wisdom (see here). Solomon instructed his son in the ways of wisdom (here).

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;~Proverbs 2:1-7

This week Joshua turned three. Ron and I decided in order to celebrate the children’s birthdays we would have one parent take each child on a birthday date. Joshua chose his restaurant and mommy chose his clothes and the two of us set out together.

I will tell you that I was a bit nervous about our date. I wanted this to be a special time for Joshua to celebrate his birthday…I wanted to make memories.

My three year old son loves trains. If we assemble a track for him, he will sit and play contentedly…given no one comes and interferes that is. We as parents are laying a track for our little engines to follow. Ron and I want to lay a track that would lead our children to the Lord; regardless of any mistakes we make, however, God’s purposes for our children’s lives will prevail.

So it was, on our date that God revealed moments that I could instruct my son in the ways of wisdom…even in wise dating. “Hold mommy’s hand Joshua. When you meet a girl and you really love her, you will want to hold her hand. You will pray before you eat just like mommy did.”

Earlier during our meal, as we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, I used a moment of our time to remind Joshua that God created him for the purpose of loving God and bringing Him glory.

My three year old son may never remember this one birthday talk, but it is the continual laying down of a track that will lead him to understanding and godly wisdom. It is the continual teachings that will guard him and guide him to recognize signs of danger and, conversely, the ways of wisdom.

Dearest Son,

As you enter this year leading to four, I pray that you will stay on track. May you grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. Some days we will add many pieces to the track towards wisdom yet others it will seem as if we have taken some away. Steadily on we will work this year and praise God for the increase. I love you,

Mom

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~Proverbs 22:6