"The Gift of Love"

As I focus on where our family is at this point in the year, our goals, including school and personal, I realize that one thing that is so important is the gift of LOVE! The Bible says that "For God so LOVED us that He gave His Son" and that the world will know we are His disciples by our LOVE. But where is our love walk with our kids? Do we train, disciple and teach in love and gentleness? Are we letting joy fill our homes as we train our children?

Some ways to create a fun loving environment in our homes are to be spontaneous and fresh, instead of just the same old, math, handwriting, spelling each day. Yes, these things have their place, but so do having pillow fights in the middle of the day, chasing butterflies, watching a worm crawl across the sidewalk, playing hopscotch, chase, hide and seek, and tickling our kids until everyone is laughing on the floor. I often think "What will my kids remember when they grow up?” and "What will create the person they become?" Will it be math drills and spelling tests? Will it be having a clean room? Will it be the moments that we stop and focus on their tiny hurts and bruises, inside and out? Will it be the times I stop just to give them a hug for no reason? Will it be the prayers said together each night? I believe the many things we do touch our children and will leave a lasting memory.

Love can be shown in so many ways. My oldest daughter could sit and cuddle for hours while my middle daughter wants a short hug and then says she is getting hot. But my middle daughter will write twenty notes on some days just to make someone feel special and loved. Isn't it awesome how God made us so different and special, each for a specific purpose. We must be wise as parents to be aware of our kids' needs and then do the things that will touch and train not only their minds, but also their hearts. Take a moment to evaluate your home and make an effort to PLAN to do some fun, spontaneous things that will thrill and motivate your children. The smallest things really do mean so much to them.

I want to leave you with this: "I do not ask that Thou shouldst give me some high or noble task. Give me a little hand to hold in mine. Give me a little child to point Thy way, over the strange, sweet path that leads to You. Give me a little voice to teach to pray. Give me two shining eyes Thy face to see. The only crown I ask to wear is this, that I may teach a little child. I do not ask that I may stand among the wise, the worthy, or the great; I only ask that softly, hand-in-hand, a child and I may enter at the gate. --Anonymous

Many Blessings,
Stephanie

Return to Articles Page