A Shepherd Boy or a King?

This week has been a big week in our family. Our first born child left the familiar comforts of home and started pre-school! She was so excited to be going to school, and Joey and I were confident in knowing that this was her next step and the next phase for her, and she was going to a school where she would be well taken care of. 

As Abigail is “out on her own” more, and this new experience officially begins her educational journey – which is such an integral part in our overall journey – I have been praying that God would use this time away to nurture her, grow her, and mold her little self into who HE wants her to be. That these early years would gently guide her into becoming the young lady, and eventually the adult, that God desires her to be. 

So I think it was no accident that I came across a particular verse in 1 Chronicles this week. At this point in Chronicles, God was reassuring David of His promise, and says to David: 

“I chose you to lead my people Israel when you were just a shepherd boy, tending sheep out in the pasture.” 1 Chronicles 17:7

What struck me is that here was this lowly shepherd boy, who others probably had little hope for, and yet GOD saw his eternal and magnificent potential. God chose the most unlikely young man to lead HIS own people. 

This reminded me of a song my own father used to sing, called “Shepherd Boy” that looks at the choosing of David to be King. Part of the song says:

“So when others see a Shepherd boy,

God may see a King.

Even though, your life seems filled, with ordinary things.

In just a moment,

He can touch you, and everything will change.

So when others see a Shepherd boy…. GOD may see a KING.”

Throughout the week I haven’t been able to get this verse, or song, out my thoughts. As a mother, it’s really convicted me… 

What do I see when I really look at our children? Do I, as their mother who knows their strengths and weaknesses, unknowingly put limitations on them? When our daughter says she wants to be a doctor, do I ever so quickly think “yeah, that's too hard” in the back of my mind? Do I unintentionally place boundaries on their potential by rationalizing reality? 

Do I only see a shepherd boy? 

Or as a mother do I see our children through God’s eyes, with unlimited potential and eternal and magnificent purpose? Do I trust and believe one hundred percent that God has great plans in store for them that my mind can’t fully comprehend? Do I fully encourage every dream, praying and knowing that God will direct them? 

Do I see a King? 

I pray that as a parent I can look at my children, and pray for my children, and love my children fully in this way, “For when others see a shepherd boy, God may see a King.”