Parents must give their children a proper spiritual framework for life at an early age, or they may never hear that this commandment even exists. That means we take a vow to train them in God's precepts and to bring them up knowing the love God has shown us in Jesus Christ. Christian children will be proud to honor mothers and fathers who fulfill those vows, moms and dads who talk the talk AND walk the walk. Every parent knows that children are a tremendous commitment. They change our lives.
Kids require real work, real dedication, real patience.
But we know the real joy they can bring. Yes, the family is something special, even though we often take it for granted. We should not. O God, we are grateful for the knowledge of the loving family relationship that we enjoy as your people. Forgive us for not honoring you as we should.