"Bairns are a blessing"

I have two granddaughters. In many ways they are very different, blonde/brunette, blue/brown eyed, straight/curly haired, a decade apart, which now makes then adult/teen. Yet, they are so much alike, sweet natured, caring, family oriented, church attending, both having made their profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their savior.

The younger recently celebrated her birthday and was able to stretch the celebration almost a week. We scheduled a shopping trip and she brought along her best friend and an aunt who has excellent taste.

Actually, I thought it would be a good idea to have a backup who could more diplomatically say, “You can’t possibly be thinking of wearing that in public!?!?” Her aunt speaks Teen much better than I do.

I was ever so grateful that the subject never had to come up! The jeans she bought actually came to her waistline. When she stooped or sat, there was no suggestion of a plumber at work. Unfortunately, that thought has come to mind with a couple of young ladies who often attend our church. I do not know if it is their choice, a lack of funds to purchase but having to wear hand-me-downs that do not fit or they’ve grown out of clothing purchased correctly. Combine short-waisted tops with hip hugger slacks and the result is inappropriate anywhere.

The amount of giggling mid-teens can do! It really is a blessing to enjoy how they find pleasure and entertainment in almost everything. Her aunt added to the entertainment at every opportunity. As the teens were in the dressing room, she kept adding garments that kept the giggling rising to spill out of the room.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalms 127:3 KJV)

Yes, they are! We must never forget that we have them for such a short length of time. A recent injury to a child in our church is a reminder of our quickly pleasure can become a tragedy. His burns reminded me of a little girl not long ago who succumbed to her burns. When I drive our County Road and reach the state’s Farm Road I pass a cross, maintained by a family in remembrance of three teenagers who died when their vehicle hit a tree.

“Bairns are a burden,” we heard as Brownies, but that was denied in the same story. “Bairns are a blessing,” was the correct view, as it should be today.

Christ used children as an example of truth.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. (Matthew 18:5 KJV)

With that in mind, think of the reverse side of that coin.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6 KJV)

We have responsibilities to see that children are given instruction and opportunity, discipline and guidance, freedom to make choices along with explanations of consequences. For there is great truth we need to impart.

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (Ephesians 5:1 KJV)

Another verse speaks my joy, and includes children, grandchildren, great-grands and so on:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4 KJV)