Family

From The Prospective of A Three Year Old

by Dot Hannah
06/12/14
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

Galatians 6:9 Let us not be weary in well doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up. NIV

 Deuteronomy 6:6-7 The commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. NIV

      Let's imagine what it's like to be a three year old trying to figure out the astonishing mysteries of life. After all, it is not as though he can read a book and learn everything he needs to know. It is a world filled with what and why, how curious his little mind. He has a never ending enthusiasm for life, and understands the art of enjoying every small thing.  Every morning there's a merry, new adventure as he drinks in the beauty of a new day. However, sometimes in the darkness things can get pretty scary. Life can be pressing for a three year old because even his world is not always a bowl of cherries.

      Like the night grandma and grandpa were upstairs sleeping in the guest room next to his. He screamed out and desperately scurried down the stairs pressing his little face against mom and dad's closed bedroom door. It was about this time that grandma hung her head around at the top of the stairs to say, "What's wrong honey?' "No!" exclaimed the frantic, stunned little boy with huge eyes. His glowing imagination had taken over. Picture the scene from Sawyer's angle. A shadow hangs over and speaks unexpectedly. Somewhere in the dark there is a story.

      The next morning after the shock had worn off, the mystery was solved. Sawyer had heard grandma and grandpa snoring and was certain there were ghosts in the guest room. How we laughed. What would the world be like without children?

     Envision a loving father gently comforting a three year old, his face like an angel, frightened out of his wits. You will see a beautiful illustration and a partial picture of the Holy Spirit, who comforts and reveals mysteries. He conveys truth, and the light comes on. Your eyes pop open. "Aha, now I understand." Dad is a hero to Sawyer. The Holy Spirit is our Hero.

      Later on, Mom said, "Sawyer, you are precious." Sawyer pondered for a moment and said, "I am precious," as he smiled his sweetest smile. He is, even when he flushes his brother's toothbrush down the toilet.

      Some people say children do not have spiritual understanding. I challenge parents to talk about the Lord so that Jesus can become real at a tender, young age. Infuse God into the marrow of their bones. We have one chance, one shot at this. God answers and uses the prayers of a little child. I believe a child should be led, not left to wander. Children need the wisdom of their elders; the aging need the encouragement of a child's exuberance. And who in the world should you mentor with more joy than a child? Plant seeds as soon as possible. Many will fall on fertile ground because children have teachable spirits. You may be mentoring the next Billy Graham.

      God wants to stun us and alter our family lines, raising up one Godly warrior after another in the wake of our faithful lives. These are busy years when your children are small. Deliberately make them crowded with love and joy and happiness, a holy, glorious task. Children need to know that they are enjoyed, not just endured. Make sure they know where to turn before times of trouble. Warn them that there are terminators actively trying to do their job, terminate them.

      Surely, this is what heaven must be like, the years of raising your little ones. They make life full to the brim and overflowing with excitement.  The other day when I was talking to Sawyer's mother on the phone, I heard him chattering in the background. I told her to tell him grandma loves him. He said, "Grandpa loves me too." What a character! It must feel pretty good to know everybody thinks you're cute.