“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” - Matthew 19:14
“ … and Lord, thank you for these beautiful girls that you blessed me with. Thank you so much for making me their Mommy.” This is how my prayers end each night when we do bedtime prayers with the girls. I often like to remind myself that these are not my children so to speak. They are His. He hand picked me to be their guardian. I am called to protect them, teach them, guide them and nurture them. It is my duty to lead them to Him. What an amazing job to be given … to be given these perfect little creatures and “grow them” for Him.
My youngest is just two and a half. In a logical sense she does not know Jesus. She doesn’t know the facts, she doesn’t understand the importance of having faith. But every night before bed, she says, “Dear God. Thank you, mommy, daddy, dister (sister), puppy (which we don’t have) … maymen (amen)!” She is always so eager to talk to God. She proudly says her prayers and then, usually, goes to bed happily. It makes me so happy to see her develop that step of faith at such a young age. Faith starts in small steps.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Children cling to everything that we, as parents, do or say. They are easily influenced and therefore are very trusting. Lead your precious child to Him. Take advantage of that short period of time when your children are young and open. Breathe Jesus into their everyday lives. As you do, watch them grow and develop deep and lasting relationships with Him. It is an awesome experience to witness! The greatest gift you can give your child is the gift of knowing Jesus.
