My mother loved the beach. We lived in the California bay area so several nice beaches were close by. When she wanted to take us out for the day, we usually went to a beach. We packed a large picnic, grabbed towels and dry clothes, and headed out. I have wonderful memories of running down the wet sand with my sisters or watching my mom stroll along, the wind ruffling her hair. Other times we would pack our food and go to a beautiful park, taking along balls and Frisbees. We often included other people as an outreach and to enjoy Christian fellowship.
Most of my warm childhood memories were similar to those mentioned. They involved the simplicity and beauty of God’s creation, and people I loved. My parents took us on some nice trips that I remember well and of which I have pictures. Those were valuable, specific events that were snapshot moments in my life. But the general sense of God, love, family, friends, and fun came from the daily efforts my parents made to enrich our lives. They took us to church consistently, read the Bible in our home, and talked about the Lord. They lived Deut. 6:5-9. Those things are priceless.
Why is it that we feel we have to spend a great deal of money or go to great lengths to give our children a rich life? If we cannot, does that mean our children are suffering? Are they deprived and therefore growing up at a disadvantage compared to other kids? Won’t there always be someone else who has more or goes more places? When would the comparisons end? How much is enough?
Perhaps the answer to that question will come more easily by answering this one … what is our goal for our children? The angel of the Lord gave Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph (Matthew 1:21) Jesus’ purpose in life, thus defining their goal in raising Him. He was to grow up to save people from sin. His life had a purpose from the moment He was conceived. The Bible tells us that every one of us has a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10). The main job of Christian parents is to introduce their children to Christ and encourage them to discover and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Mary and Joseph did a good job with Jesus because He said, “I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me,” (John 5:30).
Did they accomplish God’s goal for Jesus with expensive trips, fancy clothes, the latest gadgets or friends in high places? No. They followed all God’s instructions regarding His birth and early years. Every year as He grew they took Him to Jerusalem to observe the Passover. He knew the Scriptures so well that He actually amazed the temple teachers when He was only 12 years old. He grew in wisdom and in favor with God and people. On the limited budget of a carpenter in a small town, Joseph and Mary raised Jesus knowing the Word of God, committed to doing God’s will, and being a blessing to others.
If you are raising children on a limited budget, you have the best example of all time to follow. There is no need to stretch yourself financially to provide material possessions and worldly experiences. Stretch yourself spiritually, emotionally and physically. Be available to God first and then to your children. Give them your time, your attention, your love, your wisdom, your patience, your humor, and most of all, daily exposure to your real, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
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