PEOPLE,
never underestimate the effect, the wonderful effect, you may have on children, very little children. Anyone’s child…

Selah.

Here, my friends, is an excellent example.

When I myself was a young girl, my dad and mom had friends, a couple named Kenneth and Kathleen. This was years and years ago. They had a daughter, and maybe a son and maybe later on, another daughter. I remember their oldest daughter because she was near my age.

I was under my teenage years, maybe even under ten years old. I don’t remember. But what I always do remember is I liked them! I liked Kenneth and Kathleen a lot!

I remember a time when Kenneth was just passing by the kitchen and asking my brother, who was sitting at the kitchen table: “What are you doing?” Even at my young age, I knew Kenneth was making pleasant conversation. My brother was coloring! I thought Kenneth was sweet to extend himself to a young child.

I know we went to their house and they came to ours (and it may have all been before my dad got sick – Multiple Sclerosis, I do not recall.) I always looked forward to their coming. And I loved to go to their home!

I can’t say that I interacted all that much with them. You know adults talk more with each other and let the kids play. But I just knew that they were nice and I liked them!

Because it was more than fifty years ago, I have few, but very, very good memories of Kenneth and Kathleen. Whenever I think of them I miss them. I am hoping I will see them in Heaven of course…

SO ATTENTION TO ALL OF YOU GROWNUPS:
consider the impact you have on children. Try to keep in front of your memory: you certainly may give love to children who can’t even read or right because of their tiny age! They are precious! All of them! And you need to adore them and respect them. They need you!

God is pleased when you treasure anyone’s child!

Selah.

SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS FOR THIS JOY STORY:

Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.