Many parents say they were blessed with the best kids in the world, my own mom included. But tonight it’s my kids’ turn.

Today was my birthday, but as Dad used to say on his own birthday, “What’s all the fuss about? Everyone has one of these every year.” Even so, I was feted to a dinner party, was given gifts, had a sleepover in downtown Chicago, ate lunch at a sidewalk café, and enjoyed the Broadway musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” watching it from a 2^nd row seat. It was quite a birthday!

On top of all that, like cherries on the proverbial sundae, I heard from all 7 of my children, a gift of immeasurable value.

Back in 1973 when I was a new mother, if someone had asked, “What would ‘the best kids in the world’ look like?” my answer would have been something like this: those who obey every rule, get straights A’s in school, and sit quietly in church.

But when Nate’s and my parenting didn’t produce 7 children exactly like that, it didn’t bother us. That’s because we ended up with 7 deeply meaningful relationships with our now-adult children.

Every parent wants to see his/her children turn out to be “the best in the world.” So how do we get them there? What bottom-line do we want for them? Those of us who are Christians hope each of them will one day land in heaven, because that’s where we plan to be, and we want to be there together. Second to that, though, what’s our strongest desire for them?

“The best” kids will have probably developed good character. For example, all of us are thrilled when we see our children sticking with commitments they’ve made or working hard without complaint. We’re all pleased when they make decisions with wisdom or exercise self-control. And it’s gratifying to watch them put the needs of others ahead of their own.

As I thought about these important character qualities in relation to my children, I smiled to realize each of them have evidenced some of all of those… today. And then I thought of holding myself to the same high standard and recognized that it’s a lifelong project, for me and also for them. None of us will ever have flawless character, but we can all work steadily toward it.

God watches our efforts from the vantage point of character perfection. And I like to think that just as I got excited today when my children demonstrated some of those good qualities in caring for their mom, the Lord must be enthused when he sees a glimmer of that same character development in me.

But I’ll work on all that tomorrow. Today was a day to marvel at my children, but of course that stands to reason, because they’re the “best kids in the world!”

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)