Awesome Responsibility

Since my friend had a post on her blog about Mary, I have thinking about her a lot. I sometimes forget she was so young. Today, the pastor spoke about her as well. His sermon was focused on the vision that Mary received from the angel telling her that she would bear the Son of God.

Can you imagine the pressure Mary felt when she received this vision? Not only would she be pregnant as a virgin, but she would be carrying the Savior of the world! She would be responsible for raising Him. God Himself entrusted her with caring for His most precious gift. She had this incredible vision but in truth, really couldn't comprehend all that Jesus meant to the world.

It got me thinking about my own son. Now, I'm not comparing him to Jesus in a blasphemous way. I know he is not going to redeem the world. I know he was not sent here as my personal savior. But I do know he was sent here with a purpose. I know God has a mighty plan for his life.

What an awesome responsibility I have to raise him. I don't know how he will affect humanity or whose life he will ultimately touch. But I believe he will touch lives. I believe he is a walking example of God's love. God entrusted me with caring for this precious gift. To raise him up in the image of Jesus. To teach him and guide him as he learns to lean on God for himself. God entrusted me.

I also thought about the years I spent with children before my son was born. I've taught children for 15 years, in different areas and settings. I am humbled that God allowed me to have a part to play in their lives as well. I am saddened by the thought that I have not always done my very best. There were times I was not walking with the Lord and I know this was reflected in the way I interacted with the children. For those times, I have asked forgiveness. And now I am thankful that God has allowed me more chances to spread His love.

What an awesome responsibility...what an incredible, overwhelming, tremendous, amazing, astonishing responsibility. I wouldn't trade it for anything!