Psalm 127 reminds us that children are one of God’s greatest gifts to us, if not His best.

They are like “arrows in a warrior’s quiver”, a generous legacy, and a precious treasure beyond measure.

Oh, how quickly I can forget this when the sibling squabbles ensue, but in my heart, I know it’s true.

They aren’t mine to keep, but to care for, love, train, and send out into the world. We are to teach them to fly, and to pass on the “roots” of our hope and faith in Jesus Christ.

Roots and wings – may all our children be so blessed to receive these things. Wings to fly, explore, and expand healing, and roots to know the peace of a firm foundation – a bedrock of faith, from a safe and loving home.

May our children grow to be arrows of hope, where there is doubt. Truth, where there are lies. Love, where there is hate. Joy, where there is despair. Faith, where there is fear. Light, where there is darkness. And help, where there is harm.

And may we too, in one accord, be the incubators we are called to be to help train such holy warriors for generations to come.