The Children are Worth It

Our family was living in Enumclaw, just up the road from here, toward Mt Rainier. Our old Kirby vacuum cleaner, which we had bought used in Williston, North Dakota, was needing a tune-up and some new bags and belts. The closest Kirby store was in Auburn, so we dropped off our Kirby one day, and I returned a week later to pick it up. I arrived at the store. The attendant was in the back. There was a Bible open on the store counter next to the register. The woman came out from the back. I handed her the ticket, she produced our shiny refurbished Kirby vacuum cleaner with a fresh supply of bags and belts. I pay the bill. As I am ready to walk out the door with merchandise in hand, the woman called out to me and said: “God wants me to tell you that ‘the children are worth it.’”

Romans 8:22-28

Now, let’s read from the book of Romans, chapter 8, beginning at verse 22.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.