I have vivid memories of my childhood.
I can recall from actually early childhood to many events through schooling, countless memories. My husband can hardly remember anything from his growing up years. Amazing! It is shocking to me because of the vivid moments I can recall. This does surprise me.
I can even recall being in a crib. I know, I know, you don’t believe me.
My own mother confirmed this. I once related my earliest memory of being in my crib and mentioned a small hole in the wall. The hole was similar to someone putting a nail in the wall and taking it out. As a child I used to pretend I could get medicine out of this hole with my finger and put it in my mouth.
My mother was astonished, and she confirmed both the defect in the wall and that my crib sat against that particular wall.
Boom! Yes I do have vivid memories of growing up.
Through a Child’s Eyes
Nothing is as powerful as watching God in action as seen through a child’s eyes.
I can recall sitting in the front seat of our family car with my father driving through the small town of Morrellville in Johnstown, PA area. If you are familiar with this area of Johnstown we had just gone under a train trestle and were near the grocery store.
Walking on the side walk was a lady with a heavy paper bag. Suddenly the bag split open and jars of baby food rolled everywhere. She began to cry. My father instantly stopped the car. He told me to stay in the car. I watched him pick up the unbroken baby food jars and comfort this distraught mother.
I didn’t hear what was said. All I could see was the act of kindness happen before my eyes.
My father stopped dead in traffic where there was nowhere to pull off inconveniencing others for a weary mom. I am sure people behind us were upset that they either had to wait in traffic or find an opening to go around our car.
This act impacted my life. I have never forgotten the scene or the presence of God’s love in this act. All of this displayed in front of a child’s wondering eyes.
Teach Your Children What Counts
As a parent I’ve always tried to show kindness to others and be aware of what is going on around me, especially at a grocery store.
It may sound corny, but you can be Christ in the least likely of places. Just open your eyes. The impact of your actions not only effects not only watching eyes of your children, but others you shed your kindness on.
“If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.”
“Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.”
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Contributor: Karen Shirey, she can be reached at kshirey15767@gmail.com
