“OK, here’s your baby. Dress him,” the nurse ordered. Me? My hands shook as I plucked the newborn baby one-piece pajama outfit I’d brought to dress my new baby to take him home.

All of a sudden, I was very nervous and unsure of myself. Could I take care of this little one? He was my responsibility! I carried on and dressed my little babe and soon, we were ready to take him to our home and nursery all ready for him. It didn’t take long for me to become more confident but I’ll never forget that overwhelming feeling of responsibility that morning so long ago. When I was a girl, I loved playing with dolls and when old enough and had opportunity, I would hold any baby a mother would allow me to hold. But this felt different. I was the one responsible.

Feeding and bathing and dressing him was of course the first and important task. But introducing both children to God early in their lives was even more critical. Just as my own mother did for me, I sang, read stories to them, and taught them to pray. And they each believed.

My two babies. They both wore the same pajama one piece when they came home from the hospital

This morning I read a passage in the New Testament:

Now people were bringing little children to him for him to touch, but the disciples scolded those who brought them.14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 After he took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16 NET).

Jesus’ followers tried to shoo away the children and even scolded the parents for bothering Jesus. But Jesus didn’t think so. He loved them and wanted to bless them.  Most people don’t understand until they have children how powerful their love is for them. Their love is great, but God’s love for them is greater.

My children are grown now. And they’ve both chosen to believe in Jesus. But their choice in believing was up to them. This morning I looked up different passages about children. There is a theme throughout the Bible of being thankful for children-All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children (Isaiah 54:13). See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 18:10). Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). And one I cherish now, Grandchildren are the crown of the aged (Proverbs 17:6).

What children are in your sphere of influence? Your own children? Grandchildren? They need to know about Jesus. Don’t neglect to tell them, thinking they should decide for themselves. They must learn about God to in order to know and believe in Him. To choose to love, obey, and believe. It’s up to us to tell them. Grab those moments of influence.

Last evening, we took the youngest grand on my side out to dinner for her eighteenth birthday. I love conversing with Emily as an adult. But I miss the precious times when she was little and wanted to come and stay at my house. Now she’s all grown up and busy with life. But I’m grateful for the many times I got to spend with her.

Below is a song that I’ve shared before, but it’s so appropriate for this theme. It’s fairly long, and while you listen, thank God for the gift of children in your life–whether they belong to you or someone else. They are a gift:

 

“Lord, I know I was far from perfect in my child rearing. I have regrets and wish I could go back and change the way I sometimes responded to them. I wish I’d heeded how time quickly passes.  But I’m glad I did tell them about You. They are a blessing to me and to their own children. Thank you for the gift of children. Help me share Your love with children in my sphere of influence.” Amen.

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