Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. (Psalm 127:3)
I have two grandchildren under the age of five. I love to watch them play; they have so much fun.
My grandson, Brendan, likes when I chase him around the house. The objective of the game is for me to tickle him, but I have to catch him first. When his little sister, Sasha, first saw us doing this, she joined in the fun, imitating her big brother. Children learn by watching others, including the adults who care for them. I only had to chase and catch Brendan once for him to be sold on the idea.
Through my experience with Brendan and my own children, I know that many lessons are learned–and taught–informally. That is why modeling good behavior is so important, even when it is inconsistent with how we feel at the time. I don’t always feel like playing with Brendan when I am with him, but I do it anyway, because I know it is a positive experience for him.
Our children and grandchildren are gifts from the Lord and we must do all we can to teach them to do what is right; we must also model good behavior for them.
Since the Sandy Hook shooting 18 months ago, there have been 74 school shootings–and that’s not including shootings on college campuses. We don’t have the right to take another’s life; that is a gift from God. I am encouraging people to pray for the protection of God’s gift, namely our children.
Please join me in this prayer: Eternal God, Our Father, we come before you today to acknowledge that you alone are the giver of life. We acknowledge that we desperately need you to help us in every area of our lives. We are asking for your divine wisdom and guidance in helping us manage our emotions. Help us to see that your nature is loving and fill us with all that is like you.
We are asking you to comfort the families affected by the recent school shootings, and to relieve the spirit of fear and grief hovering over Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon and Pacific University in Seattle. Father, we are asking that you help our young people to not believe and react to everything they feel. Give them the mind of Christ. Help us to help them and love others. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
God bless you!
