This is an updated version of a blog which I wrote last summer. I was surprised to realize that the fate of children is still prominent in the news. In fact, the same issues are still troubling our world and our children. Yes, they are OUR children. The Father tells us so.
On a personal level, July keeps my memories of children “green” as it is the month in which both of my children were born. My youngest brother, my brother-in-law, a couple of aunts, several cousins and one of my best friends also celebrate during this month. It’s a very large family. And celebrating their lives is something that we must do. We must value their lives when they are breathing and crying as much as we do when they are growing and sleeping within our bodies.

Conception and birth rank right up at the top of my wonder list. I thought that I understood the process learned through study and research, when in fact, the actual result illustrated that I was clearly mistaken. The birth of my first child made my belief in God complete. When I held that tiny baby in my arms and looked into his eyes, I was overcome with love and awe. How can two teeny tiny single cells come together, begin to divide and produce this most beautiful example of God’s love for His people? Clearly, it is a miracle which I will only understand when I sit at the Master’s knee and He teaches.

I am not alone in this feeling of wonder. Children make enormous emotional impacts, not only on their parents and family, but on everyone. We are moved to sadness for OUR children who are being held in vulnerable situations all over the world, as well as here in our own country. Not just the detained children separated from their loved ones, but the children of the streets who are neglected, hungry and homeless.

I believe these emotions are intentional on the part of the Creator. He uses children to teach us how to behave; how to treat each other; how to love one another generously. He asks that we become like children in our attitudes towards each other. He tells us that when we accept one child in His name, we accept Him. What a wonderful world it would be if we just followed His instructions.

My children have provided not only wonder, but the opportunity to practice unconditional love. No, I can’t get it right all the time; that’s why I practice. But love them, I do, with every cell in my body. I will for as long as I live and beyond. I practice and follow the example provided by the Father, who loves you and me and everyone in the whole wide world – unconditionally!

Terri

Mark 9:36-37
Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms,
He said to them, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and
whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”