Recognized Blessings

Recently, my daughter and her family moved in with my husband and me for a short time. They had just sold their house and were waiting for closing day on their new home. During that season, our quiet home suddenly became full—two elementary-aged children, a newborn baby, my daughter and son-in-law, their dog, plus our two dogs (one of them a brand-new puppy!). If it sounds like chaos, it was—but it was a beautiful chaos.

One day stands out vividly. My daughter had just come home from the hospital with our precious new granddaughter. I walked back to the bedroom where she and her husband were staying. The room was small and crowded—crammed with their belongings, a bassinet, a changing table, and piles of clothes. As I helped fold laundry, I noticed my son-in-law’s Bible resting on the bed. In that moment, my heart was filled with gratitude. I realized how truly blessed my daughter is.

As parents, we long for the best for our children. We hope they find happiness, stability, and love. But one of the most important choices they will ever make is choosing a spouse who loves and follows Christ. The world can be a confusing place, and it’s easy for young people to seek answers and relationships outside of God’s truth. Sometimes they’re drawn to someone who doesn’t share their faith, and while we’re called to lead others to Christ, the reality is that the wrong relationship can slowly pull them away from God. That’s exactly what the enemy wants.

For a parent, watching a child who was raised in faith and godly values drift away must be heartbreaking. Yet we also know God gives every one of us free will, and our children will eventually make their own choices—sometimes wise ones, sometimes not. But when I saw that Bible on the bed, I felt reassured. My daughter has chosen a husband who not only loves her and their children but also loves the Lord. And that is a blessing beyond measure.

Parents, as our children grow into adulthood, one of the greatest gifts we can give them is our guidance through prayer, encouragement, and mentoring. We can lead by example—through consistent church attendance, faithfulness in spiritual disciplines, and by praying both for them and with them.

Show your children the goodness of God in everyday life, and remind them how much stronger and more joyful life becomes when they surround themselves with friends who share their faith. Above all, never stop praying. Prayer is powerful, and it continues to shape their hearts long after they’ve left our homes.

When Christ remains at the center of the family, everything else finds its balance. Families become healthier, happier, and better equipped to face the challenges of life with hope and peace