In the middle of an otherwise normal day, I was asked to help care for a group of toddlers. I sat on the floor, surrounded by an assortment of toys and six busy 1- and 2-year-olds. As I entered into their innocent, happy lives, I enjoyed the break from the deadlines, meetings, and decisions that occupy my adult world. How precious children are!

My heart ached that evening as I watched a TV news report about a 7-year-old girl in our city who had been beaten. In another town, a 10-year-old girl was missing, and her parents feared the worst. Then I read that every night millions of the world's children go to bed hungry.

Today, as you have opportunity, step out of your adult world and enter the world of children. Pause to think about and to pray for children you know. How do you see them? Are they an annoyance, an aggravation? Do you see meeting their needs as an imposition? Do you feel twinges of guilt because you have neglected or failed a child?

Following the example of Jesus as given in Matthew 19:13-15, let's welcome the children onto our laps and into our hearts. Let's recognize their value and do what we can to show them Christ's love.  — David C. Egner