See The Children Around You
When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
-- Genesis 29:31
The workbook question was simple really. List five characteristics of a child who knows she is loved and list five characteristics of a child who doesn't believe she is loved. Yeah. Makes you think, doesn't it? Because kids can't hide their reality not matter how hard they try.
The child who feels loved is happy. She feels secure and confident. She is courageous as she moves through life. She loves others and welcomes their love in return. Every child's personality varies, but a loved child does react differently to the world.
The child who feels unloved is fearful. She doubts her self-worth and tends to reject others before they get too close. She doubts her ability to do most anything and she doesn't trust anyone. She may really be loved but if she doesn't feel loved then her security is in doubt at all times.
Teachers and those who work with children have such an awesome job -- most of the time. I imagine it is quite heartbreaking to see children who are so obviously hurting and not be able to fix it for them. Because you can't make a parent love a child. You can't force a parent to replace hateful comments with loving words. You can't force a parent to provide encouragement and hugs.
But we can look at children through God's eyes. We can see beyond the surface and when they are hurting we can provide words of comfort and cheer. We can offer encouragement and reassurance. We can be a bright spot, a light, in a child's dark and scary world.
God sees all the children in the world who are without the security of loving parents or caregivers. Do you see them too?
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