A Completed Joy

We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. - 1 John 1:4

My "babies" are all grown up. One is a 43-year-old mother of three and the other is a 45-year-old father of one. I still remember being in the room when my wife brought them into this world. It was a joyous occasion at the time, but my kids continue to "complete my joy" as they grow and develop into responsible adults. Even though my son is not a Christ-follower, he takes his role as a father to his own son seriously and it is clear to see that he desires to be a good example.

As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have also been blessed to witness hundreds of "spiritual" births, lives transformed by the saving grace of a sovereign God. It has been a special blessing to remain in touch with many of these fellow Christ-followers and my joy is "completed" when I see them continue to faithfully follow Jesus.

For those of us who have invested in the lives of others that which has been entrusted to us, there is no greater blessing than their continued obedience to Christ. Likewise, may those who have invested in us one day look upon our walk with Christ and also find their joy completed.

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them. - Richard L. Evans