I read a verse today that made me chuckle a bit.  The verse is Proverbs 14:4 and it reads, “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” (NASB)

So, why did it make me chuckle?  Well, because it made me think of my children!  Okay, so my kids aren’t oxen, and they really cause us to expend revenue rather than increase what comes in!  But, there are some similarities here.

Without kids we could have that perfect house.  We could have that great schedule.  We could have all sorts of freedom.  But, what would we be missing?  There is such reward in the everyday insanity of parenting.  There’s heartache and struggle, but there’s also great delight.  I am overwhelmed at times with the amazing privilege I have to be at home with my little blessings, teaching them, disciplining them, and watching them grow.

It is an amazing journey.

There are days when I wonder if I will survive the volume, the fighting, the whining, the energy, the excitement, the adventures…but each one is a reward in itself.

So maybe my kids aren’t oxen.  But, when I really think about it, they do bring in much revenue.  It definitely isn’t monetary revenue, but money is really one of the last indicators of true wealth.  True wealth lies in the incredible blessing of pouring our lives, hearts, and energies into raising up warriors for the kingdom of God.  And those warriors will point other souls to Christ, thereby increasing the everlasting revenue of God’s kingdom.  Now that, my friends, is worth a dirty manger!