Of Utmost Importance...

Anyone who is blessed with the company of childrenin their day-to-day lives knows that much time is spent teaching and training!Today's teaching moments at Janet's house includedhow to crack peanuts from the shell...(bite softly preferably with back teeth, to crack then pull apart with fingers) how to hold on to the swing with arms when mittens are too poof-y or slippery how to peel pomegranate... how to draw a chicken... how to take turns to help with the vacuuming... The end goal of training children is a responsible, respectful adult.The end 'goal' of an adult is ultimately, for better or worse, accountability to the Giver of life,turning all training of all children into something with an eternal impact! No wonder Solomon gives us this advice in Prov.22:6Train up a child in the way he should go,[]And when he is old he will not depart from it. How imperative it is then, to constantly reevaluate/reexamine our hopes and dreams,to keep our priorities pure! Four-season circuits wheel unfazed by centuriesLike chariots of gold and teal they pass through fields and trees... Time tries our hopes and dreamsWhile from dawn’s lowered bargeGod replenishes mercy-streamsSufficient for the charge …to keep, comfort and blessWith Shepherd’s staff and rodAll who seek first His righteousnessAnd the kingdom/sheepfold of God Four-season circuits wheelUnfazed by centuriesLike chariots of gold and teal/silk and steelThey pass through fields and trees From east to west to eastA feast of shadows spillsWhere want is a voracious beastNo fortune-flaunt fulfills …while hopes and dreams arouseA surf of smiles and tearsThat roll where dust-to-dust soon bowsBeneath death’s wreath of years How miniscule the stackOf numbered days of manThat charge the barge that draws us backTo where we all began How futile zeal defendsLife’s dream-bedazzled splashIf no hope at its halt transcendsEarth’s vault of dust and ash © Janet Martin