a though provoking message
Little Pearls By Michael Pearl
“The Instructor”
Jeremiah, three years old grandson, follows me around just like my shadow, talking every minute. I usually try to answer his endless stream of questions and teach him something useful, but after a while I get exhausted. He is not content to just talk; he finishes every statement with a question, “Isn’t that right?” The other day I was working on a project and was trying to concentrate on something tedious. I was trying to ignore him, but was growing a little irritated at his interruptions of my every thought. So when he next “demanded” a response from me, I answered him in an absentminded, flat, clipped tone that didn’t welcome any further discussion.
I was drawn back to reality when his tone changed from that of a constantly prattling child to a serious challenge: “Why are you talking like that?” “What?” I asked. “Why are you talking like that?” “Talking like what?” I asked. “Like that,” he answered in an accusatory tone.
Wow! A three-year-old psychologist! He was perceiving my attitude and judged it to be inappropriate. Rebuked by a three-year-old, indeed I was! He was simply expecting the best from me, nothing but love and support, complete appreciation and dedication. Instantly I repented and started pouring “interested,” rapt attention into this three-year-old’s important conversation.
How do you judge the age or maturity of a soul? When can it be hurt—perhaps even permanently scarred? I fear that we may be doing the most serious damage to a child’s soul in their youngest, most formative years, simply because we can’t see what is behind their “childish” prattle?a God-instilled love for and desire to be with “their” grownups. Is it any wonder that Jesus said so poignantly to his disciples (and to us!): “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)?
Lord, please give these old eyes renewed incentive to see what you see in the lives of all the little ones you send my way. Amen!
This post can be found at:
No Greater Joy Ministries
“The Instructor”
Jeremiah, three years old grandson, follows me around just like my shadow, talking every minute. I usually try to answer his endless stream of questions and teach him something useful, but after a while I get exhausted. He is not content to just talk; he finishes every statement with a question, “Isn’t that right?” The other day I was working on a project and was trying to concentrate on something tedious. I was trying to ignore him, but was growing a little irritated at his interruptions of my every thought. So when he next “demanded” a response from me, I answered him in an absentminded, flat, clipped tone that didn’t welcome any further discussion.
I was drawn back to reality when his tone changed from that of a constantly prattling child to a serious challenge: “Why are you talking like that?” “What?” I asked. “Why are you talking like that?” “Talking like what?” I asked. “Like that,” he answered in an accusatory tone.
Wow! A three-year-old psychologist! He was perceiving my attitude and judged it to be inappropriate. Rebuked by a three-year-old, indeed I was! He was simply expecting the best from me, nothing but love and support, complete appreciation and dedication. Instantly I repented and started pouring “interested,” rapt attention into this three-year-old’s important conversation.
How do you judge the age or maturity of a soul? When can it be hurt—perhaps even permanently scarred? I fear that we may be doing the most serious damage to a child’s soul in their youngest, most formative years, simply because we can’t see what is behind their “childish” prattle?a God-instilled love for and desire to be with “their” grownups. Is it any wonder that Jesus said so poignantly to his disciples (and to us!): “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)?
Lord, please give these old eyes renewed incentive to see what you see in the lives of all the little ones you send my way. Amen!
This post can be found at:
No Greater Joy Ministries
posted by svea at
11:09 PM
5 Comments:
Yikers I am SO guilty of that :(
Great post!
Wow...that sure makes me think of things differently...Lord, forgive me!!!
so very true, and hopefully you don't have to become a grandparent to realize it!
amen. and amen. Lord help us....
This touched me deeply. As I don't have young children anymore, I realize what mistakes I may have done and can only ask forgiveness. It is amazing how smart young children are and how careful one should be. It reminds me of that song that goes "Be careful little eyes what you see...".
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home