| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 15 |
Page 5 |
It is living that counts first in its influence upon a child’s life, before words can make much impression. A mother’s love should be stainless in its purity, rich in its spirituality, tender in its affection and strong in its moral principle. It should never be weak in a way that would make it over kind, over indulgent. There is almost as much harm wrought by unwise loving in mothers as would be by a lack of lovingness. The influence of Jesus as guest in the home would never lead to sentimental kindness to a little child.
Then, as your child grows older, and begins to listen to your teachings, what would you do for it if Jesus were your guest? Would you not teach it the words of Christ, tell it of His love, point out to it the way of duty, and daily commit it to His care? It would seem worth while for every mother to try to weave holy home memories into the early years of her children’s life. There is no surer way to bind them as with chains of gold fast around the feet of God. Is there any mother so busy that she cannot find time to spend a few moments every evening in her children’s room in loving talk and earnest prayer? Far down into the years will go the memories of such holy moments, proving many times a bond of safety.
Page 5