Children.... blessings from God

This morning I was pleasantly surprised and delighted when my little granddaughter's name was announced as the winner of the Bible verses quiz.  Our church celebrated Sunday School Sunday this morning and presentations were made. The children received certificates and tokens and those who did well in the quicz received their trophies and medals.

I could see the joy in the children's faces as they were called out to be acknowledged in front of the congregation.

These children ranged from one to 12 years old. The little ones are so innocent, devoid of guile and deceit. Their songs and the little skit of David and Goliath did us proud.

As the pastor said, children are sincere, honest and very straightforward. In the Bible when there were thousands who after listening to Jesus' preaching, were hungry and there was no food around, it was a little boy who came forward with his basket to offer what he had, five small barley loaves and two little fish. From this small offering, Jesus was able to feed the multitude and there were 12 baskets left over to spare.

Children are blessings from God to be cherished and loved, to be nurtured and brought up to do what is right and to stand up to be counted. They are not to be abused or neglected.

They are not to be regarded as unwanted by-products of casual relationships and discarded like used tissue.

Those of us who have children and grandchildren will know the joy these youngsters bring into our lives. No doubt as they grow up they will lose their innocence and become wise to the ways of the world. This is where parental guidance becomes crucial, to teach them, to be their role models and to be there for them, giving them support as they make their way through what can sometimes be a painful experience in making the transition from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood.

Let us all celebrate Children's Day by making a difference to any child that we know who needs a helping hand. There are many who are not as lucky as we are.