Perspectives by Rev. Janet Evans

June 3, 2015 Editor Opinion

 

Bless the Children

Not long ago, my daughter asked me if my husband and I could look after our grand-daughter for a day and a night. Astrid actually stayed for 48 hours, and we were happy because we love spending time with her.

I have to say…caring for a four month old baby is a lot of work. Feeding her, changing her, dressing her, bathing her, walking with her in the stroller, reading Sophie the Giraffe books to her, playing on the floor with her…it all takes a lot of time and a lot of energy.
Looking at Astrid when she smiles, observing her as she puts her stuffed elephant in her mouth, hearing her giggle, makes all our efforts worthwhile. We are blessed to have our little grand-daughter in our lives. She truly is a gift from God.
We can give thanks for God’s gift of children among us. They bring us joy, laughter, enthusiasm and hope for today and for the future. There is a wonderful saying which I like a great deal. “We do not inherit the world from our parents, we borrow it from our children.” Young ones are precious in God’s sight – and they will sometimes guide and inspire us as we live out our calling to love God and love our neighbours. 
School will soon be out for the summer and we will encounter children at the playground, the soccer field, the beach, the splash pad, the ice cream stand. Let’s praise God for the boys and girls in our midst. Let us care about their safety and pray they will come to know that they are ever secure in the compassionate embrace of Jesus the Christ. May our children and all God’s children have the assurance that the Lord loves them and always will. 
“When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock, just picked up, exude gratitude. It might be the only thing the child has to give, and he has chosen to give it to you.”
Thank you, God, for our children, grand-children, nieces, nephews, relatives and young friends. They enrich our lives and surround us with their love.
Amen.

 

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