Children; our Treasure, our Future!

All children are a blessing given to us by God and we dare not waste this gift by abuse or neglect. “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Mt. 18: 4 - 6). Of course, the teaching here pertains to anyone who detracts from the gospel teaching, but since we should become like children, through innocence and the desire to follow Jesus, the message has its meaning.

When one perceives children at play, studying, or listening to parents the ultimate result is another person reaching into the future of their lives with understanding and achievement. Watching your own children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren in some cases, you should be able to sense the future sprung from your own loins and appreciate what you have passed on to your progeny.

Fortunately, we reside in a 9 story building that at one time were homes to professional and/or retired teachers. The only children were grandchildren visiting grandparents. However, after 16 years in this apt bldg family make-up has changed significantly with very few senior couples. In fact my wife and I are the elder citizens and most families have small children with a couple just giving birth and the enjoyment is overwhelming.

Of the many families residing here, many are from foreign countries. Several came from Afghanistan, another group from Turkey, and some from different foreign areas of the world. We also have several African-American families and there have never been any discrepancies among anyone. I mentioned the other day to a family, “we have enough children here and could start our own school.” I was recently on the elevator with a 6 or 7 year old and asked him if he was ready for school. His answer was yes and he misses school. That kind of response makes one feel good instead of some children looking for a gun, or robbing people.

Unfortunately, in today’s culture we can only view so much anarchy and the adults from these warring families are teaching children to hate, get even, and may be looking at prison in their future unless the parents pick up on their purpose of parenting. Of course, many of them are working with only one parent, or in some cases no parents. These become lost children and charges of the state. These self-proclaimed do-nothing parents will face the theme Jesus spoke of as anyone who removes the innocence of these children via lack of parenting will suffer the ultimate punishment.

Children are not only the gift of God, the responsibility of raising them with love will open the door of accountability and nothing could be more serious as to the result of punishment afforded to them. The children are all a treasure, and their future is our responsibility to give them a start in life.

Ralph B. Hathaway