PROVERBS 22:6
Louis Daniel Armstrong’s childhood was one of lack and pain. He was abandoned by his father as an infant and sent to reform school when he was twelve years. Surprisingly, this became a positive turning point. A music professor regularly visited the school and provided musical training for the boys. Soon he excelled on the cornet and became the leader of the boys’ band.
He ended up as an American trumpeter and vocalist who is among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades and different eras in the history of jazz.
Louis’ story is an example for Christian parents. The proverb – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6) can apply to more than the spiritual and moral aspects of our children’s lives. We should also realise that a child’s talent will often determine his or her area of interest. In the case of Louis, a little training in music resulted in an expert trumpet player.
As we lovingly give our children godly instruction from God’s Word, we should encourage them in their interests and talents so that they might become all that God has planned for them to be.
Our children are a gift from heaven above, to train and nourish in the Lord.
* Help us dear Lord to give our children a steady diet of the truth from Your word and encourage their God given talents in Jesus’ name. Amen.
