The Miracle in a Child

Extract from The Miracle in a Daddy's Hug by John Burns
- March 2010 Newsletter

Every child is a miracle - an awesome miracle full of miracles still in seed form. As parents we start out in awe of this gift from heaven.

Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz was a little off track, I think. She was looking for a land called Oz, when she should have been looking for the land called Awe. The land of Awe is that special place - nearer than we might think - where we are continually in awe of God's miracles around us.

I once heard a great quote: "Life is not measured by how many breaths we take, but by how many times it takes our breath away." I can tell you three times that my breath has been taken away: at the births of my three daughters. Since those first moments of their lives, I have been permanently settled in the land of Awe.

Nothing compares to the wonder of a newborn child. He or she is a brand-new, eternal being, full of unlimited potential. What a weighty responsibility and sobering privilege it is to be entrusted with the care of this new little person! When we bring an infant home from the maternity ward, we immediately assume the everyday responsibility of training and equipping that child to become the best he or she can be. We enjoy the wonderful privilege of knowing and loving this new eternal being in a way no one else can. It's the beginning of a phenomenal venture of faith!

Raising Children in the Land of Awe

The land of Awe is the healthiest place to raise a child. All children learn about themselves through the eyes of their parents. When we're continually in awe of the miracles we are privileged to call our sons or daughters - when we recognise all the miracles that are hidden like treasures inside them - they can grow up seeing their own lives as miracles full of miracles.

 I have often said to each of my daughters, "You're my hero. When I grow up, I want to be just like you!" I'm in awe of the miracle each one of them represents. I want them to know what I see in them, because the way children see themselves and think of themselves is the greatest determinant in who they will become and what they will accomplish in life. As Solomon wrote, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7.

Since most of a child's self-image is developed through the eyes of Mum and Dad, we need to open our eyes and see the awesome potential God has placed in our children. Every child has awe-inspiring qualities - although it may take a purposeful effort at times to look past the not-so-perfect behaviour and find the hidden treasure. Remember, what you see is what you get! As dads we need to choose to see the miracles. We need to choose to live and raise our children in the land of Awe.
   

Fatherhood Foundation
PO Box 542
UNANDERRA NSW 2526

Ph: 02 4272 6677
Fax: 02 4272 6680

Email: info@fatherhood.org.au

Web: www.fatherhood.org.au