WHAT a happy scene we have before tis in our picture! If you were studying the faces of the group, would it not be hard to tell which was the happiest of all these little folks?
There is baby in the cart with stick in one hand and lines in the other, highly delighted to be getting a ride and receiving so much attention. But the boy who is pulling the reins and guiding the goat that is hitched to the little wagon while at the same time he watches the happy little driver, and the little fellow behind who is so vigorously lending his aid, and the two happy girls who are reflecting the joy from baby’s face, all have faces which speak of happy hearts. And there are the two boys in front, one with his drum, the other with his flag and horn—how well pleased, they seem! Then the little folks in the rear, one boy being carried by another and seemingly in high glee, while the little girl with her basket on her arm trips along lighthearted and gay. Happy children! Happy childhood, free from care!
And this is as God would have it. He allows the little folks to run and play; but at the same time He would have them submissive to their parents, and attentive to the little duties they may be called upon to perform. The time, however, is coming when they will need to put away their childish thoughts and words and ways. The Apostle Paul says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Cor. 13:1111When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Corinthians 13:11).)
So dear children, run and jump and play, but seek to honor the Lord in your young lives; and as you grow older you will learn of other things, and other ways. But, young or old, may the Lord have the first place in your thoughts!
ML 04/22/1917