Is There L. A. K.?
I
have wondered if there really is L.A.K. You might ask what L.A.K. is
and rightfully so. L.A.K is Life After Kids. Please, please I beg you
don't misunderstand what I am saying. I love these three
(yes now there are three grand children living in our home) children
that live with us. It is a joy and an honor to love these kids and
provide the love and encouragement that children so desperately need. I
grew up in a family quiet honestly where my parents were very strict. I
can only remember twice in my life that I ever heard the words "I love
you" spoken to my brother and I. But I did realize that my parents loved
us when I would remember that they took the time and love to adopt us
and bring us into their home. But I made a vow before God that any child
that came into my life whether as my own child or as a grandchild, or
any child for that matter would always know that Jesus Loves them and so
do I. My wife showed me a page that just turned my stomach. It was a
page that is dedicated to out and out abuse of children. It may be done
in fun, but that is not fun. No child should EVER suffer physical abuse. So don't take what I am saying the wrong way.
Since
1976 there has been a child in my home continuously. From diapers to
driving a car. From newborn pictures to graduation and wedding pictures
and beyond. During this period there have been moments of wanting to
just pack up and go live like a hermit in some cave or cabin in the
woods. Now parents, admit it. You have been there too. Just about the
time you are wanting to sit down and just let it all hang out and drink a
cup of coffee or ice tea and watch a race on TV. or just sit with mommy
and have a quiet time of "Oh. Who are you? Do I know you? Oh yea.
You’re my wife. Nice to meet you. What How have you been? Oh I'm okay."
comes that sound of "Mommy. Matthew hit me." Or "Daddy, we're hungry." How
about that time that you want to have a romantic moment with your
spouse. You just get together and having a long awaited hug. Just as
your lips come together in that long anticipated kiss, you feel these
hands that are a lot lower that your wife’s tugging at you pant leg and a
voice from down under say, "I just threw up in my room." What a moment
killer. On those very few and far between trips that you
plan, from that back seat of the car comes those voices, "Are we there
yet?" "I have to go to the bathroom." But you just went five minutes
ago. "I gotta go really bad." Or that famous one. "But why didn't you go
when we stopped five minutes ago?”I don't know. Just didn't have to go
then."
How
about another one. Being out in public trying to do some shopping and
all of a sudden you child blurts something out that just makes you want
to crawl into the nearest hole and cover yourself up? Art Link-letter had
a show many years ago that was called, "Kids Say The Darndest Things."
Ain't that the truth. One child one day was with his parents out at the
mall and they were shopping and all of a sudden, out of his mouth
"Daddy. That man looks like that werewolf picture that I say on TV last
night. Is he a werewolf? I'm SCARED. He's so UGLY." The child may have
just whispered it, but NO. As loud as he could say it he spoke it. It
reverberated against ever wall. Down every hall and into every store.
Ever had that happen? I know I have. Bill Cosby said "I brought you into
this world and I can take you out and make another one just like you."
Oh those feelings. Makes you look forward to the day that they grow up
and mom and dad can move away and not leave a forwarding address. "Where
are we going honey?" "I don't know just get into the car, it's packed
and ready. Hurry. The last one is married and gone. Let's get out of
here." Aren't we going to tell the kids?" "Are you smoking crack or
something? Now's our chance to just fade into the sunset and leave no
forwarding address." A vast majority if you will be honest with me will
have to admit "Been there, done that." Oh the single life again.
Is
there Life After Kids? No. There isn't. But even with these moments
that have occurred along this journey and wanting to take the first
space ship to the moon to get away, that love of God is in your heart
knowing that these children are gifts from God. You begin to remember
the first time that they waddled into your office and bring you a
picture and say "Daddy I love you and made this for you." You look at
the picture and what do you see? Not really sure what it is. But they
tell you that's mommy, that's you and that's me right in the middle and
we are holding hands because I love you." Or sitting in the audience and
watching your child walk across the stage and get their diploma and
they are moving on into first grade, then high school then graduating
from high school. Life's special moments.
Is
there Life After Kids? Don't want there to be. I don't think I could
stand it without a child young or old being there so I could watch them
grow and help them along the way. That's the way that God has intended
it to be. I am His child. Can you imagine these same thoughts going
through His mind? No. He promised to be with us each and every day.
Never to leave us nor forsake us. To be with us through the end of time.
Time never ends with God. It goes on forever. And so there you have it.
We are made in His image. He has given us kids to help us GROW as well
as them. So take the time today to tell your kids three simple powerful
words. "I LOVE YOU." Because God has told us that. Remember what He gave
us? That perfect gift. His only begotten Son. Who died for us that we
may be free from sin and live with Him forever.