Heart Talks With Parents—I
By Elizabeth M. Patton
A short time ago, while visiting with friends, something occurred which at the time quite surprised me. But since then, in thinking seriously over the circumstance, I am convinced that it may not be such an uncommon thing, after all. There was a deep lesson in it for me, and it is quite possible that it may be of benefit to other parents. Breakfast was all ready to serve, and the family, which included several bright little people, gathered for the usual morning worship. The Bible lesson was read in simple words by the father, and as there were some unusually interesting features brought out, we older folk could not forbear a little pleasant discussion, interspersed during the reading of the chapter. Even the children paid the best of attention, for the narrative was one which would specially appeal to little folk. Just at the close of one of these interruptions, a little six-year-old looked up at her father with beaming eyes, and started to say something which had come into her mind about the lesson. Her father looked at her for just an instant as if astonished, and then continued his reading. The chapter was soon finished, and we knelt to pray. The little one was sitting next to me, and her sensitive heart felt the rebuke just as keenly as would a grown-up person, I am sure. The bright eyes filled with tears, and during the first part of the earnest prayer which was offered, the little body shook with suppressed sobs, and I confess that my heart was with her more than with the prayer which ascended. How I longed to lift her into my lap, with a comfort hug for the sore little heart. I dared not do this, however, but reaching my hand to her as we knelt side by side, I patted the little brown head, and I know the loving Saviour breathed comfort into her mind. By the time we rose from our knees, the incident was apparently forgiven, and ready to be forgotten. Not so with me,—at least as to the forgetting. Certainly I could forgive; for I knew that in the heart of that parent there was nothing but love for his children, and a great desire for their supreme welfare and happiness. I knew that probably the first reason in his mind for thus ignoring the little one was lack of time. He was in a hurry to get away to his work. Yet he had listened with courtesy to my interruption, and together we had talked of the beautiful lesson without the slightest appearance of haste. And the children knew this. Another reason, I feel confident, is the training we ourselves received as little children. Many of us can recall the days when we were taught that “little children should be seen and not heard.” This is a grand maxim, which I’ll admit is greatly neglected in these days; but is there not danger that some of us may live up to the letter of it too strictly sometimes? There is great lament to-day over the lack of interest among our young people for things spiritual, or for the study of the Word of God in any way. Often do we hear parents deplore this fact, and confess to great anxiety because of it. They think they have been conscientious in the training of their children, and they have always prayed fervently for their salvation. In fact, it seems to these parents that they have done everything for their children, and they can not understand the lack of interest and consequent drifting away. I have yet to see the person who, when a child, did not delight in Bible stories; and as the children grow older, and the little minds expand to receive the deeper lessons, the quickness with which they are able to grasp the spiritual lessons has often been a marvel to me. Many times, when given the opportunity to talk freely, have their simple utterances sent a wonderful truth deeper home into my own soul. “Except ye become as little children.” Now why does the youth turn away from that which was ever his delight as a child? It is a fact too well understood to be questioned, that in the early days of childhood, when the energetic little fingers are constantly seeking to keep pace with the busy mind, when almost the only desire and greatest joy are to help, if they are pushed aside, sent off to play, or fretted at for getting in the way, the time inevitably comes when the little hands, which might have become truly useful and a great comfort, have learned to occupy themselves with other things; and as too many parents have learned to their sorrow, the work of then teaching them to lift in the home duties becomes a task from which many shrink. Is there not a spiritual lesson for parents in this? Has there been no time in the life of your children when they have been “turned down” in their innocent enthusiasm and interest in Bible subjects? How many are willing to give from twenty minutes to half an hour in reading and talking about the morning lesson? Why should we hurry through, as an irksome duty, that which is the only means of giving us and our children the spiritual food and consequent strength to satisfy our needs for the day? Fifteen or twenty minutes earlier rising each morning would certainly give us the necessary time for this heavenly sitting with our Saviour. Why should the hurry of life be permitted to strike heaviest at this most vital necessity, unless it is because we have not yet experienced the marvelous blessing which comes when we regularly open our hearts to God, and let him come in and speak to us through his Word? The other evening my heart received a fresh rebuke because of this very haste which creeps in so insidiously, unless one is on constant guard. I had been helping our two little girls prepare for bed, when, just as they were about to kneel, one of them said, “Mama, let’s go in by the fire to pray.” “O never mind, dearie,” I answered, encouragingly, “it isn’t so very cold here, and you’ll soon be tucked in bed.” The truth of the matter was that I was tired, and dreaded taking even the little extra bother and time that would have been necessary to go in by the fire with them. Nothing more was said as we knelt, and I put an arm around each little white-gowned body. But the older cut her prayer much briefer than usual, and the other, following the example of her sister, did likewise. But when we arose, what was my astonishment and chagrin to hear the younger remark gleefully to her sister, “Didn’t we do that quick?” Then there is another thought that comes into mind, and I am sure most of you will agree with me that it has a vital bearing on this subject: What is our conversation before our children from their infancy up? Are we talking of the home which our Father has prepared for us? Are we discussing the best way of living, of eating, of dressing, so that we may be prepared,—more than just ready,—waiting, watching, and longing for his coming to take us there? Do we talk over some of the beautiful thoughts just touched in the morning lesson, or some new point brought out in the Sabbath lesson, or the daily events of the world (not the things of blood) as viewed in the light of God’s Word? As we gather about the table at mealtime, do we have anything to tell that is of cheerful interest? Has there been a victory gained? a precious promise proved? Are we all-round, cheerful Christians? Do we have joy in our13experiences, even though many of these experiences come through much tribulation? Are we teaching our children that in everything we are to give thanks, and that God is able to make everything work together for good because we love him,—not merely teaching the words, but letting our lives illustrate these precious truths? “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever.” Can we not see now what the trouble is with our youth? Do we not understand a little better some of the reasons for their lack of interest in the Word of God? May it not be possible that it is the direct result of our own neglect? Let us return unto the Lord that such a heart may be created in us—a heart to fear God and keep all his commandments, that it may be well with us and with our children forever.