Sometimes we fail to realize the impact we have on our little two and three year olds. In the busyness of toilet training and keeping the pots in the cupboards, we sometimes forget that lasting impressions are being made on the soft clay of little lives. And we forget the responsibility we carry making these impressions.

Today, as I searched my mind for some words of comfort to write to a troubled friend, my memory drew upon the Bible verse from I Peter 5:7, “He careth for you.” As I reflected on this verse, I could call to mind many times when this promise of the Heavenly Father’s care comforted me. The entire verse, “Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you,” seemed appropriate for my friend at this time. As I formed the letter in my mind, I found myself explaining the reassurance I have often found in this verse, the first Bible verse I ever memorized as a little two year old. What an impression it left on me as it was taught in the little nursery Sunday School class in the back of our church. But the one lesson alone would not have carried much weight had it not been reinforced at home as well. When the night time darkness seemed frightening, I can remember Mom saying, “Remember He cares for you.”

Now, years later, a married woman in my own home, I am passing this same reassurance on to a friend. And I am deeply thankful for the early impressions made on me of the loving Heavenly Father’s care.

What a challenge it is to give our little ones this heritage. Not just proper manners and good morals, but an awareness of the Source of strength beyond themselves on which they can draw continually as they grow up in a confused world.

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Excerpt from “Meditations of a Homemaker”  by Gail Rodgers. Used by permission.