"Children"

The kids are mostly inside,

With phones and games they play,

Sometimes it is for hours,

They don’t go out all day.

Contrast that with yesterday,

When all kids had their chores,

Things they were assigned to,

And outside so much more.

Cleaning up and tossing trash,

And tending garden plots,

Some took care of animals,

Some watered flower pots.

Hay season we tried harder,

To get our work done fast,

Summertime gave no relief,

Glad when it finally passed.

I wasn’t sure how normal,

It was to work that hard,

My friends in town were different,

But at least they mowed their yard.

That and more we did it,

Far out on the ranch,

Sometimes they’d work with us,

And we’d give them a chance,

To see what work was all about,

And if they lasted long,

They’d ask if there was always,

This much to do, then gone.

I know the Good Lord used it,

To teach us things we know,

‘Bout life and how to get along,

And the best results to show.

So let’s pray for the children,

Who don’t know toil and sweat,

Unless they’re playin’ sports somewhere,

Might be all that they get.

And let’s help them to get outside,

In God’s sunshine, nature, air,

And give ‘em what was given us,

And show ‘em that we care.

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf is welcoming Me…” (Matthew 18:5, NLT)

Jesus used little children as an example of those who would be greatest in His kingdom. Humble yourself like a little child was what Jesus said. What do you think that means? My take on it is that we are to be teachable and able to receive what God is trying to tell us about ourselves and life. Jesus also makes clear that we should always welcome children, never cause a child to stumble, and that we should bring the children to Him. Our spiritual stewardship of children is clear. We either give them a head-start or a handicap. Some of us received a mixed bag from our parents but were still blessed by God’s grace and received salvation. Others are so wounded as children they never get over it. Clearly, and perhaps more importantly than ever, believers in Jesus Christ must embrace the children.

Lord, help us love and help our children to know You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by JaNeil Anderson, janeilanderson.com. Used by permission. Thanks, JaNeil, and God bless you.