WHEN TWO BECOME THREE

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

WHEN TWO BECOME THREE    

After marriage and the two become one there is the future expectation of having a baby and the two becoming three.  If you think about it this is fulfilling the first command of scripture:

(Gen 1:28) Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth…  So from the beginning having children was in the mind of the Lord for married couples.   

The Bible portrays children as a blessing from God and having a family as being rewarding.  (Psa 127:3-5) Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them…  Too bad many these days see children as a bother or as a hindrance to personal fulfillment.    So what are some things couples should be thinking about when the new addition arrives? 

FLEXIBILITY:  (James 3:17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…  You have been a couple for some time now and have had your routine.  But a child introduces constant variables in your life and schedule that you must make room for.  Like the old adage that says “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken”  Children do things spontaneously (to put it positively) and you have to roll with it.  Having a good sense of humor is a must.  CHANGE OF PLANS might be your new motto!  Good bye rigidity…hello fluidity!    

TEAMWORK:  (Amos 3:3) Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?  Cooperation is vital in raising children together.  Each couple must find what works best for them as they fall into their separate roles.  These roles sometimes are not predefined but work out in time and with experience.  Communicate well so that you won’t become bitter at your spouse.  And just when you get things down pat in one area be prepared for something to pop up in another area that you will have to adjust to.  It’s just the nature of parenting.  It keeps you humble and dependent on the Lord and one another!  This is all the reason to pray with each as often as you can.   

SACRIFICE:  (John 15:13) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. When you have a child there is a growing awareness that your life is no longer your own.  You used to enjoy leisurely evenings and weekends.  You spent much time on your hobbies and recreation.  You had money in the bank.  You could travel.  You were probably more physically fit.  But now you have a child of your own and much of your “me” time has been exchanged for “wee” time. But think about what you have gained instead of what you have lost.  You have the privilege and joy of raising a little life to love and honor God.  The other things are temporal but a human soul is eternal and is the only thing you can take to heaven! 

One becomes two…two become one…two become three…WE ARE FAMILY!!   

Louie