Suffer the little children

My mind has been turned toward children lately. I came across an old friend who was posting about making an atmosphere that allowed children to step into the presence of God. Our VBS starts in a week. Tomorrow I will dedicate two little cousins. I got an email from a young adult who shared a very encouraging word about Ruth and my impact upon her life as a child over fifteen years ago.

You know, they do grow up. I can't believe my children aren't kids anymore. Where did the time go? Well where ever it went the time for making an impact on children is very limited and from where I sit a lot shorter than it seems while they are growing up.

Tomorrow four parents will hand me their baby to hold and remind them of their responsibilities as overseers. Their families will smile, I will smile, the whole church will smile and then later we will have lunch and celebrate family.

My challenge to these parents, our church and myself is "suffer the little children" to come to Him. Be proactive in creating settings where these children and all the children we have influence over are given an opportunity to sit at His feet and learn of Him.

This young adult that wrote me, thanked me for some specific things that I did that introduced her to Jesus and His presence. She said today she is reaping the benefits of those times and deeds. Indeed we all are.

God give us the wisdom and courage and provide for us the resources to be proactive in raising children in the "admonition and nurture of the Lord".

The next time you see one, hug a children's pastor or a church children's worker. Say something encouraging to a Godly educator that gives unselfishly to impact children. Offer encouragement to parent's who are doing their best to raise children in a manner pleasing to God.

And as for you and me "Suffer the little children".