Summer and I realize that having Haddon as a blessing from God is a matter of stewardship. He has been given to us in order that we might care for him, and that means so much more than protecting him physically and guiding him into maturity. We are responsible for directing him toward the greatest joy and treasure in the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ! We fail miserably at times, no doubt, but it is in our hearts, minds, and prayers, and we do not sit idly by and hope. We strive to point Haddon to Christ through personal piety, family worship, and loving care.

Nothing would please us more than for Haddon to spend his life for the glory of God. It's fine if he excels in sports, music, academics, or vocation, as long as he does those things in pursuit of God! It's also fine if he does none of those things but yet has a passion for Christ! Nothing would hurt us more than to see him get sidetracked from true joy by the allurements, trinkets, gadgets, and pleasures of this world, especially if we contributed to that end!

Parenting well is a burden because we want the absolute best for him; we want him to embrace Christ! We desire to foster that outcome, not hinder it. Parenting well is also an incredibly joyful experience! There is hardly a greater delight in this life than seeing your child live as a child of God!

3 John 4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."