Cherishing Children

Jesus Christ taught us to look to children as an example. When the disciples ask Him who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven in the New Testament, Christ answers with a powerful object lesson. As He calls a child to sit in the midst of them, Jesus says,

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3–4).

Sister Jean A. Stevens taught in this last conference the way children are able to bless and teach in our lives. She said:

"What is it we should learn from children? What qualities do they possess and what examples do they demonstrate that can help us in our own spiritual development?

These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. They exemplify humility, obedience, and love. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive."

Children have always brought such great joy into my life. Their genuine, innocent love is contagious. My negative mind is more at ease around them because I feel comforted by their nonjudgmental, unconditional love. It is a good thing that my job is surrounded by little people.:D

I love teaching and learning from my students. The magic of learning is found in their innocence and simplicity. This is a stark contrast to the complicated twisting lies of deceit from Ed and Satan's minions. Trust, faith, and hope glimmer in their eyes. The present is playful and the future is attainable.

I am amazed at their sense of trust and malleability to change. Many often describe children as "resilient." To me this means they are adaptable and humble. Such qualities are essential to growth.

Each day my students help me continue to develop important traits of love, kindness, friendship, joy, risk, and trust. I love the way they help me laugh and take time to play. I can't wait to experience this with my own children some day.

“Children are the epitome of innocence, they are the epitome of purity, they are the epitome of love, they are the epitome of hope and gladness in this difficult and troubled world. –Gordon B. Hinckley

(“Behold Your Little Ones,” Children’s Fireside Satellite Broadcast, January 23, 1994.)