Father's
Heart Turned to His Children
He
shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers. Mal. 4:6
The father when he returns from his daily
labor will not bring his perplexities to his home. He will feel that home and
the family circle are too sacred to be marred with unhappy perplexities. When
he left his home he did not leave his Saviour and his religion behind. Both
were his companions. The sweet influence of his home, the blessing of his wife,
and the love of his children make his burdens light; and he returns with peace
in his heart and cheerful, encouraging words for his wife and children, who are
waiting joyfully to welcome his coming.
He should find it a pleasant change to
spend some time with his children. He may take them into the garden and show
them the opening buds and the varied tints of the blooming flowers. . . . He
may impress upon their minds the fact that if God cares so much for the trees
and flowers, he will care much more for the creatures formed in his image. He
may lead them early to understand that God wants children to be lovely, not
with artificial adornment, but with beauty of character, the charms of kindness
and affection, which will make their hearts bound with joy and happiness.
If the frivolous and pleasure seeking
will allow their minds to dwell upon the real and the true, the heart cannot
but be filled with reverence, and they will adore the God of nature.
If you would draw your children to Jesus,
you must not enter your home with cross words, with a frown upon your brow. If
you come from your business weary and worn, just plead with God for His grace,
for His restful Spirit, that your heart may be melted with tenderness, that
your lips may be filled with words of kindness and comfort. Bind your children
to your heart. Recommend your religion to them by its pleasantness.
From My Life Today - Page 203
