During the month of May while blogging through the book of Proverbs I found it necessary to take a break. I was given the opportunity to keep two of our foster grandchildren for several days. After the experience of hosting these little ones, I’ve developed a deeper passion and attentiveness to the astute instructions that are found within the walls of Proverbs. Likewise, one should never underestimate the huge responsibility of grandparenting!

Proverbs is that well-known child-training book where “train up a child in the way he should go” can be found (22:6a). Additionally, an intense picture is given for why that’s necessary: “foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child” (22:15a). Foolishness is a byproduct of birth demonstrated from infancy. Moreover, if a child has been left to themselves or has been given the example of foolish adults to mimic, their demeanor screams of reckless, thoughtless actions.

And as I flipped through the pages to find my place in Proverbs (chapter 19), I was given more wise instructions: “A foolish child is a calamity to a father. . .” (v. 13a, NLT) so “Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives” (v. 18). Then, we are informed that anger allowed to reside in a child ruins his life (v. 19) impressing upon us the need for giving advice and instruction to a young child “so [they]

will be wise the rest of [their] life” (v. 20).

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (19:21). Because our daughter had been married the longest, we mourned the loss of our plans for her to bless us with grandchildren. We eventually received the gift of a grandson through our youngest and her husband, along with the responsibility of babysitting. He has been a case study as Proverbs provided the guidelines, though. And now we are equally blessed to have 3 foster grands through our older daughter and her husband. We willingly submit to the Lord’s purpose.

While rejoicing, it is abundantly clear, foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child and the problem is complicated with foster children.  Our Creator God makes certain through the book of Proverbs that the rod is instrumental in removing foolishness in a child (22:15), but that’s not an option with foster children. Instead, our concentration must be upon Building Character through God-centered examples, daily devotionals, and lives submitting to His Word. This not only provides wisdom and training to combat foolishness but is also an unending source of satisfaction, peace and security. Never underestimate the power of God.

“Faith is not demanding what we want; it is trusting God’s goodness in spite of life’s tragedies.” –Dave Branon

“Listen to the Words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the Lord.” –Proverbs 22:17-19, NLT

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13, NLT

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” –Proverbs 3:5, NLT

TRUST

Trusting God is never in vain!

Once again, our joy is multiplied as God has given another precious gift! We are excited to announce the sonogram belongs to our daughter-in-law, and we are looking forward to the arrival of a grandbaby this fall! Our oldest, a son, and his wife are expecting a baby girl this October (my birthday is the 8^th if she wants to come early, wink)!  

Trusting God is never in vain.

Excuse me while I prepare for another cousins-camp …