Daily Devotion

“Well had Thou made him [my son Adeodatus]. ... I confess unto You Your gifts, O Lord my God, Creator of all, and of exceeding power to reform our deformities; for of me was there naught in that boy but the sin [editor's note: Adeodatus was born to Augustine outside marriage]. For that we fostered him in Your discipline, You inspired us, none other — Your gifts I confess unto You.”

Augustine · Confessions, Book IX, ch. 6

Scripture

Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Reflection

The Psalms say that children are a heritage from the Lord, not my achievement. Today on the ski slopes, as my children skied away and I fell, I suddenly realized: God entrusted them to me not so that I could control their lives, but to accompany them as they grow and watch over them from behind. When I am willing to let go and let them go on their own, my heart is filled with joy, and I see God shaping me into a more humble and patient father.