They Are Everywhere

Children.

We all have been a child at some point in our lives. There is no way to escape the process and therefore we all must pass through the halls of youth to reach the classroom which is Life. I sat down and tried to list some of the great memories of my childhood:

• Running for no apparent reason
• Popsicles (green was my favorite)
• My imaginary friend John Make-up
• Sharing a room with my brother for 14 years
• Riding my bike to the general store for gum and a Dr. Pepper
• More popsicles
• Days that seemed to last forever
• Nights that went by quickly
• Golfing on Sunday afternoons with my Dad
• Smiling a lot
• Winning the Super Bowl 20 times in one year (with John Make-up playing quarterback)
• Sunshine
• Sunday School
• Knowing that God loved me
• Death was an entity unknown to me
• Singing "Jesus Loves Me" at the drop of a hat

I often long for the simple innocence that was my life as a child. There was little pressure, bountiful love, good food, and friends that would play with you until the sun went down. I could get up in the morning with the knowledge that everything was going to be taken care of and that life was going to be okay. I realize that I was one of the lucky ones and that many children do not have the luxury that I was given and that saddens me.

In the bible there are numerous references to children and how important a role they play in God's world. This is a reality that transcends into our everyday lives. I believe that there are many times that we forget that there are huge numbers of children that walk this earth with us everyday. They are observant and watch all of the different things that we do.

They see the wars, racism, name calling, violence, and pettiness that accompany all of our lives. They hear the anger in our voices or see the tears falling down our faces. They notice the coldness in our eyes, the wringing of our hands, and pounding of our fists. They are there when we yell at our neighbors and present when we swear under our breath.

They are everywhere.

These children will eventually become adults and their worldview will be dictated by what we show them today. The future lies within them and their education is our responsibility. Take a moment and look around at your surroundings. These young people are watching and what they learn today is going to shape our tomorrow.

Teach them well.