Children First

In our family, children always come first. It was like that when my sisters and I were growing up and it continues with our children. My Granddaddy (Mom’s dad) grew up in a time when children ate last, after all the adults had finished eating. He always thought that was wrong because he never got the good pieces of chicken, mostly he got the neck. So, when we were growing up, he made sure his grandchildren ate first. I can remember many times eating at the table with only him, my sisters, and my cousins. If there was room, some of the adults could eat with us but we always got the best pieces of chicken.

Those “rules” continue today as our family increases. When we are all together sharing a meal, our children eat first. Someone helps each of the little ones fix their plate, makes sure they have something to drink, and finds them a seat at the table. They are the most important members of our family; they are the JOY in our lives.

We are very fortunate to have so many children in our family. We have three teenagers and eleven under the age of eleven. Of those fourteen, three are boys and the other eleven are girls. Our parents would be filled with joy at the love and laughter that abounds at family gatherings. It is sometimes chaos, but always fun.

A few weeks ago in church, I looked down our row and little hands were singing and doing the motions to “Yes, Lord.”  They were full of joy and our row was full of proud parents and grandparents. I am thankful they are surrounded by a church family that puts children first, just as my Granddaddy did when I was young.

Dear Lord, thank you for the joy you bring to us through our children. Help us to keep them first in our hearts and prayers and never forget the joy you brought to earth on the day that Christ was born. Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes yes, Lord.  Amen

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. …”

Luke 10:21 (NIV)

Dianna Smith