In today’s world children are often seen as a burden to deal with. Mothers and fathers are so busy trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table that they forget the “little things” that children bring to their lives. Sometimes little reminders come our way that make us stop and remember the blessings that Yahweh intended them to be.
As we read in the Bible, we find the scripture, “Lo, children are a heritage of Yahweh, and the fruit of the womb His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man so are children of the youth, Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate,” Psalm 127:3-5 KJV. We are reminded in this scripture that children are a gift from Yahweh.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” Proverbs 22:6. Not only are we to rear them properly, but sometimes they help and mold us to be better people.
I received the following email which reminded me how important our children are to us. Not only are they from Yahweh, they teach us how to come to Yahweh as little children.
“When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. Kids see flowers for Mom and white fluff to blow on. When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. Kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back. When I hear music I like, I know I can’t carry a tune, so I sit self-consciously and listen. Kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don’t know them, they make up their own.
When I feel the wind in my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. Kids close their eyes, spread their arms, and fly with it until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. Kids say “Hi Yahweh! Thanks for my toys and friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight.” When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. Kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder Yahweh loves the little children! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
I don’t know who wrote this email, but when I read it, I was reminded of all the time I missed the “big” things in life. I am too focused on the little things. Many times in teaching my children, they have in turn “taught” me how to stop and “smell the roses.”
When this world ends, it isn’t going to be the dusting, mopping, or other necessary chores that are going to matter, it is going to be the “big” things in life. Whether you have children or not, the next time you notice a child, take an example from them. “And Yahshua called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as a little child, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 18:2-3 KJV.
Just as we tried to please our earthly parents as children, we should seek to please Yahweh even more. We should come to Yahweh with the humility of children and with the spiritual knowledge of adults.
The next time a big wind comes along and messes up your hair, follow a child’s example and open your arms to embrace the fresh air that you are blessed with every day!