What Are We Teaching Our Children?

The 2016 presidential elections have come and gone, but the memories will remain for a lifetime. While some of us here in the US are rejoicing and others are mourning over what could have been, my question is, what are we teaching our children? Ten years or more when our children and grandchildren ask us what happened in 2016, what will we say to them?  That we gave in to our fears, insecurities, prejudices, or we simply didn't know what we were doing?

My concern is for our children who are the future of the world. Are we teaching them that it's okay to insult others, disrespect women, disregard the law with impunity, show hate for those who don't look like us or who don't share our views and still ascend to the highest office in our land?

We need to do better. For the sake of our children and our world. We have to teach them that love and unity are what we need to build a stronger, more peaceful world. One where we treat others with respect and not view them with suspicion.Yes, we need to teach our children to be safe, but not to the extent of ostracizing others because of the color of their skin or where they may have come from.

Fortunately, there are many young people who are being brought up according to true Christian principles, not just loving those who look like them or who belong to their social circle, but who are following the teachings of Jesus -  “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them" (Luke 6: 32).

Let's be Christlike in word and in deed.

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Are You Ready For 2016?

                                                                                                                                                    

Whenever my grandson, Jayden and his little sister Jen play hide and seek, I can usually predict  who the winner will be. Jayden is familiar with all Jen's favorite hiding places, so when she is hiding, he waits a little then calls out, "Ready or not!" Shortly after, shouts of joy - from Jayden -and squeals of surprise - from Jen - ring out. 

So it is with the new year. Ready or not, 2016 is here. The only difference between it and a game of hide and seek is that we knew it will find us, but we didn't realize how quickly. Everywhere I turn, I hear people commenting on how quickly 2015 passed. Many of us worked harder, drove faster and stayed up later in an effort to fulfill our dreams, only to be caught before we'd even accomplished half of those things.

I daresay, 2016 will not be much different. With the specter of terrorism, climate change, global financial crises and a host of other ills threatening, we may be tempted to ramp up our efforts to do more in 2016. This can leave us tired, frustrated and defeated.

Jesus Christ gives us some good advice: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11: 28 - 29). 

Jesus offers us the perfect hiding place - one where we will never be caught unawares or unprepared. If you have been running yourself ragged trying to achieve this, that or the other, stop now and go to Jesus. Exchange your burden for His, and you will find rest. 

The beginning of a new year is the best time to make a new start. If you don't know Jesus, why not open your heart to Him today, because one day, ready or not, He's coming and He will find you. Will your shout be one of joy or one of surprise? 

Happy New Year!

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