Infants And Toddlers
Infants and Toddlers
Like other infants and toddlers, the first couple years of my son’s life were crazy. Just when you figure out that fragile little infant, he turns into a reckless toddler. It seems that overnight, cries of helplessness turn to shrieks of independence and defiance. All I wanted to do was survive the “infant and toddler” phase without making some kind of permanent mistake. I turned to God for guidance and protection for my son.
I placed protective barriers around my son, both literal and spiritual. I made sure my son’s living environment was safe, erecting gates and installing childproof locks. I also made sure my son’s spiritual environment was safe and uplifting. We spent many Sundays at my parent’s house, so that my son would be surrounded by the loving influence of Christian family. I saw my father as a wonderful role model of Christian leadership for my young son.
As for God, his way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
(Psalm 18:30)
Building the Fence. . .
Christian parents need to start building a fence around their infants and toddlers at the very beginning. As with real estate, you need to establish the physical and legal boundaries before you can start developing the land. With our children, we need to establish limits to protect them from outside influences, as well as themselves. God wants to help in this process. He wants parents to look to Him as a daily participant. We’re not only establishing the obvious physical boundaries, but also the more subtle and long-term spiritual boundaries. Pray daily for your children’s protection. Over time, extend the prayer from physical threats to spiritual threats.
What is your response?
