Ornaments of Grace-Pearls and Costly Gems

For they will be a graceful ornament on your head

and chains about your neck...The book of Proverbs 1:9

Today we will begin looking at a gem of wisdom from the book of Proverbs corresponding with the date. The verse right before this one is a mother instructing her son to listen to those who care most for him, his parents. A listening that hears the heart of the speaker.
When those instructions and "laws" are given and put into practice they will be like the laurel wreath put on the head of someone who finishes the race in first place. Something that makes those around take notice of you. An ornament of grace that comes from living in the wisdom of God.

I have to admit I did not realize until I was a parent, the investment my parents had in me. There are different kinds of investment. It isn't all about money. I would be foolish though, to ignore that there is definitely a large monetary investment.  I have had my heart wrapped up in my own children, have had the majority of my time, had lost hours of sleep, wept, prayed and fasted, disciplined and rewarded, fed and clothed, carpooled and counseled, nursed sick ones to health, endeavored to impart God's principles and heart, and sanctified myself for not just myself but for them. Until all of that, I did not realize my parents primary purpose in instruction was not to make life easy on themselves and hard on me. That is just a laughable thought now that I have been a parent! (alright I would be also foolish to not recognize a well disciplined child does make my life easier too and also that there is great joy in raising children )

I want my kids to live well. To do that they need wisdom and until they know to ask God for that it is my part as a parent to get wisdom from God for me, then I can live it and impart it to them. This does not guarantee no bumps in the road or side tracking when they enter the years of wondering and  maybe wandering before making my God their own who they know. It does give them the keys and foundation to prevent a world of misery though and to walk in favour and grace with God and man as they grow.