Advent Guide: You BelongSample

Hope Found Through Parenting

Recently I heard the metaphor of the cow and the buffalo.

Both of them feel when the storm is coming. Cows run away from the storm and the buffalo runs right into it. Mason Sawyer says it seems like we're creating a generation of cows – we're making it OK to not be accountable and run away from storms.

Cows will eventually get tired of running from the storm and as it catches up, they still keep running. They don't stop! If only they stopped, the storm would pass them. Running means they're in misery and shame longer than they have to be.

The mighty buffalo runs into the storm and as terrifying as it seems, running away from the storm seems much scarier to them. Once the buffalo get past that initial shock, they can be happy and rest. Now they can enjoy what the storm gave them: the water, grass, and the beautiful rainbow.

Do you think the buffalo experiences an inner hope that they know the storm will pass? That there is hope on the other side?

When I heard this, I just had to pause and think of the greatest gift I have, to lead my family, especially my children. As parents, we experience hope for the future of our children, but by the grace of God, we get to have a hand in preparing them for the future God has for them.

The verses in Deuteronomy talk about the legacy of God's law by exhorting me to first commit wholeheartedly to the commandments of God and then repeat them again and again to my children. My gift and hope as a father is that I have a distinct and important role in the lives and futures of my children.

Gabriel Flores is manager of missions and humanitarian aid for Buckner International. He leads a team of five dedicated individuals in the Healthy Housing program. His passion for woodworking and design extends beyond his professional life – contributing to his creative and innovative approach to problem-solving.