Weekly Devotional from Family Programs Chaplain

By His Grace”, a devotional from Chaplain Kevin Williams, Family Programs Office; FT. Dix, NJ
April 29, 2005

Background Passage: Matthew 19:13-15

Focus Passage: Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

To most of us, our children are of great value. We want the best for our children to the extent there is not anything we will not do for their welfare. For example, when we anticipate moving our household, what is one of the top considerations (other than the mortgage payment)? If we have pre-school age children, our focus is locating and securing adequate child-care. Who will watch the children? Will they care for our children as we would? If we have school-age children, it is the state of the school system. We investigate the district’s state ranking, its faculty, and its curriculum. How many students go on to college from this system? Will my child succeed here?

Once we have achieved comfort with this issue, what do we do next? We look into activities that will develop their potential. Whether the activity is musical, athletic, or artistic, we shape our lives in order for our children to reap the benefit. I am sure we all have stories of our calendars having more child-related activities than adult-related activities. We do not need to mention the miles we put on our vehicles shuttling across creation from one activity to the next. In the final analysis (beyond the exhaustion), we do these things because we love our children.

Even if we give our children all of the best things, nothing can replace what they get from us as their parents. We need to be the best we can be. They need us to be a ready resource of unconditional love and direction. We need to be in a position to speak into their lives the words that can keep them on the right path and out of harm’s way. When they see us, our children need to know they have a shoulder to cry on and arms that will embrace/shelter them from some of the storms of life.

This means we have a responsibility to take the time to at least be aware of our issues as adults. As I heard someone say, “You will never fix what you will not face.” There are many avenues to help all of us work out our issues (we all have at least one issue). My hope is we are seeking an avenue to address and resolve our issues. For those of us whose spouse has returned or will be returning from a deployment, the Family Programs Office has an avenue for you. One of the ways we can work on our relationships is through a Marriage Enrichment Retreat. We conducted our first retreat last weekend. The surveys say the couples had a good time. No one had to stand up in front of the group and share anything about their marriage. Through the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), the information presented is intended to empower couples to face issues and work together constructively to bring resolution. We spoke, we laughed, and we shared. Above all, we walked away better prepared to take our marriages to the next level. If our children can see us function in a healthy manner, one weekend out of our life could impact generations yet unseen.

If your soldier is not returning until 2006, do not worry. More events are coming in 2006. You and your soldier will be able to participate. Attached is the information you need to join us in 2005. Take a weekend (it is free!). Make an investment in your marriage and your family. See you there.

My email is Kevin.williams@nj.ngb.army.mil. My office is 609-562-0636. My cell phone number 609-847-1477. May our Lord and Savior bless you to know His presence today and everyday.