A Good Shepherd to our Children

Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

The above verse which describe the traits of a good shepherd is a good guide for us parents on how we should take care of our children.

Children are God’s gift to us. We, parents, are fortunate to be a part of God’s creation. And as a good steward, we ought to take care of our children, the way a good shepherd takes care of his sheep. But doing it is not that easy. There are a lot of challenges and hardships that we have to overcome in order to rear our children the way God wants us to. There are times that it seems that we are at the end of our rope, but it is good to know that the Lord is there to take over (For he, himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5.) We can also depend on God for he said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads and I will give you rest.”

As a mother of two teenagers in this millennial age, who in more ways, each have their own peculiarities, I could say that it has been a roller coaster ride. There has been an up and down times. The joy of seeing your baby for the first time despite the labor pains and the sweet kisses, hugs and I-love-yous from your toddler despite the bouts of crying and squabbles are some of the up moments of motherhood. The downtime are the trials and challenges of being a working mom or a housewife and taking care of two or more kids.

I’m just so glad that God has been so good to me for giving me my late husband who helped me rear our children during the infancy stage up to the pre-adolescent stage of their lives. I could never ask a more suitable father and responsible husband. Now as a widow, I rely more on God for guidance and to my mother for advice in taking good care of my children. Although at times, being a mother is the hardest I find solace on this saying that states “with all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother”.

With the advent of internet, social media, the proliferation of gadgets, we parents find it difficult to rear our children nowadays. We are being challenged most especially in finding a quality time with our children. As parents we have to be innovative in dealing with our children. Finding ways to spend time with them is necessary, doing household chores together, playing indoor and outdoor games and going to the movies is a good bonding time. Let us also involve ourselves in their social life, know their friends may it be online and personal.

Indeed, it is hard to be a good shepherd to our children but with the Lord—the Good Shepherd—as our example I am sure that we would be able to do what is expected of us. I salute all parents for trying your best, despite our imperfections we could still be a good steward and be the guiding force in the lives of our children. May this prayer from Sr. Bernardita Diazon, fsp be ours also… Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, may we always recognize your voice amidst the noise of this world, and follow you resolutely wherever you wish to lead us. Amen.