The Gift(s) Of Children

The Gift(s) of Children

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

Many Amish mothers look forward to summer. In the evenings there is no homework. In the mornings there isn’t the hustle and bustle of getting the children up and ready for school. The children can spend the day at play and spend longer nights staying up, playing games, and watching the stars.

According to The Amish Cook at Home, “Play mirrors reality for many Amish children. Games that imitate real-life situations like ‘school’ or ‘farmer’ are a fun way that Amish children prepare for adult life.” You’ll often see Amish children playing with wooden farm animals, playing “tractor,” or playing house with dolls. They play the same sports that other children do, but games like baseball and soccer are often played noncompetitively. The goal is to play for exercise and fun.

It made me smile to discover that Amish children aren’t very different from other children. My children, too, often model what they see. They don’t model driving a tractor or farm play. Instead, they model talking on a phone and slipping a casserole dish into the microwave—a little different!

I often see myself better when I see my child following suit. How I act, what I say, and what I believe are displayed in the little ones who fill my days. When I get frustrated with my daughter’s childishness, God often points out mine. When I see my son’s lack of trust, God reminds me how I fret too. Children are gifts. They are gifts of laughter. They are gifts reminding us that we need to take time to play. They are gifts that allow us to see the world in new ways. As our children play around us, preparing for adult life, we can use what we see to discover more about ourselves.

Do you have a moment to spend some time playing with little ones? Do it. You may be surprised how much you’ll learn.

Dear heavenly Father, sometimes You use the simplest moments to change me the most. Thank You for the gift of children, and thank You for the gifts they provide me.