Why Children are Gifts

She sat at my dressing table slathering her face with makeup.  "I'm pretending I'm a prima ballerina and will be going on stage soon."  I chuckled to myself.  "Don't forget to remove the makeup when you're done." I said as I walked out of the room.  The girls love to sit at the dressing table and try on the makeup, perfume, and powders laid out for them.  Later she was washing her face.  "I used your cleansing cream, Nana, and your moisturizer.  You told me that ladies are never too young to moisturize their face, and keep their complexion clear."  I nodded and smiled.  I forgot I ever told her that.

Olivia is eight years old.  Did it ever come to mind that they are like little sponges from a very young age?  Everything you do or say is soaking in and processed by them.  "Always wash your hands before helping in the kitchen.  Give thanks to God for whatever is placed before you to eat.  Be kind and respectful to the elderly.  Say please and thank you all the time.  Share what you have with others especially your brother and sisters."  We repeat these things every day.  But sometimes we forget that they really do pay attention!

She looked at my bible laying on my bed.  "Your bible must be old, Nana, because the gold is gone from the edges."  "I know.  I have had it a long time.  I take it everywhere with me."  I said.  "You have more bibles in your home than anyone I know."  Why is that, Nana?"  "Well", I answered, "It is a reminder to me that anywhere I look, I can pick up God's Word, and read what message He has for me."  "Oh", she said, " That is a good idea, and I see that you journal, too. I really like my new youth bible.  It is more than pictures.  It is filled with ideas, and it explains everything.  I love it!"  "Olivia, I am so happy that you are using your new bible.  I am very proud of you." I was one proud Nana that day.

I had the children at my home a couple of weeks ago, while their mother went on a medical mission in Guatamala.  I had to pick them up from school, and on the way home, Olivia was insistent that I stop at her home so she could pick up her bible.  I thought that she had a school project to complete, so I did take her to her home.  She came out of the house, with a big smile on her face, clutching her bible and a theme notebook.  "So is it for homework?"  I inquired.  "Oh, no, I just like to read it and write in my journal."  She replied.  "I find a scripture passage that speaks to me, I write about it, and then I create a prayer to say about what I read."  I am sure the look on my face let her know how happy that made me.  "That is so wonderful!"  I exclaimed.  "Who showed you how to do that, your teacher?"  She looked confused.  "No, Nana, you did!" 

I turned my face to the side.  The beads of tears ran freely.   Children are gifts and sometimes we need to be reminded how precious they are.