“This Little Light of Mine… I’m Gonna Let It Shine!”
We send our children out every day into this big, scary world with both hope and anxiety. We place them in daycare, send them to school, drop them off at friends’ houses, and usher them off to extracurricular activities with the full expectation that all will be well with them when we see them again. After all, these are all familiar people, places and events. Even still, it can be quit unnerving when our little ones are away from us, even for short periods of time. Mothers are innately nurturers who always want to be there to tend to and protect our children if something goes awry or unexpected. Often there is stress surrounding unknown factors. We are their safety nets to catch them when they fall. We wonder. We worry. We pray. Who will they encounter? Will they be tempted by something or someone? Will they make the good choices? Will they use their manners? Will they remember everything I’ve taught them and what I’ve repeated over and over? This constant fear and anxiety can drive us insane!
There is some good news!
God doesn’t want us to live in a constant state of ambiguity. This is why he gave us a clear roadmap – the Holy Bible – to follow. The Bible is filled with infinite lessons and teachings for all ages – from the very young to the young at heart – that emphasizes principles about Christian living. One lesson found in Romans 12:2 reminds us: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. There are hundreds and hundreds more!
Despite their young ages, children can be beacons of light too!
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Creating a strong foundation in your child’s heart about fundamental Christian principles will give them a light to guide themselves through the trials of a dark world. Their actions will also light the path for others in their journey through darkness. Despite their young ages, children can be beacons of light for God. For infants, this light might be reflected in mere smiling. For toddlers, it might be reflected in sharing toys with friends. And for older children, it might be reflected in befriending someone who is different.
This is our purpose as Christians – to seek and save those who are lost, no matter how young of age, and to help them get on (and stay on) the right paths. Further, we have an obligation, as parents, to give our children the tools and resources they need to charge their lights continuously so their lights will shine as bright as possible in every situation.
Leave everything to God
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
So as you send your children out to grow and experience this world, let your mind be at peace. Pray over them; hug and kiss them up; and then let them go about their day with full confidence that they’re under God’s protection. Remember, he can do all things – and he can use anyone for his purpose – even the littlest among us. Have confidence that your child will thrive because of the foundation you are building in them. Hope that he or she will be grow up to become beacons of light for others through their words and actions. Finally, take comfort in knowing that you’ve done well in raising up a child of the Most High.