"The Masterpiece In You"

"You Were A Child Once, Too"

Fred Rogers, better known as Mr. Rogers on TV, was asked by a group of ophthalmologists to contribute a chapter to their book on how to help children not be afraid when undergoing medical eye procedures. His assistant wrote something for him as he was too busy and when he read it, he crossed it out and simply wrote, "You were a child once, too" and that's how the chapter began. Understanding children and their individuality is something that we often miss because we are too busy, just like the disciples were in the ancient times when Jesus had to tell them to let the children come to him because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. (Matthew 19:14)

I know it is sometimes hard to believe that God could have given us children when they seem to be so strong willed that even a band of adults cannot control them. There are times I'm sure in most of our lives when we find ourselves scratching our heads in total confusion and wondering what we did that could have influenced our child to become so different. After all, we taught them to become just like ourselves and we have all of the experience they need to draw from.

Only as we take time to understand our children, as they are, will we truly welcome them as God's handiwork. Only as we come to realize that they have come into the world with unique beings and differing gifts, temperaments and needs, can we rightly nurture them. We must learn to observe who they are, respecting them as unique, one of a kind creations.

Timothy Jones, author of Nurturing A Child's Soul, says in his book, "Making room for a child also means that we will have to let go of some of our perfectionism, some of our unrealistic expectations, our insensitive, too-high expectations."

Stephen Covey, author of the acclaimed Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, tells of his son, who was struggling at school, seemed immature socially and looked pitiful on the baseball field. He would even swing at the ball before the pitcher released the ball. They were embarrassed when others would laugh at him. Right away they tried getting him psyched up with use of positive affirmation and comments. But still, even with their sincere efforts, his self-esteem suffered.

As Stephen and his wife examined their deepest feelings, he came to realize that their perception was that their son was somehow behind and inadequate. Together they became painfully aware of the powerful influence they had made because of their own perception. This son had not measured up to the behavior of the other children by which they had gained social mileage.
Instead of trying to change him they tried separating themselves and stand apart so he could sense his own individuality and worth. Through deep thought and the exercise of faith and prayer they began to see their son in terms of his own uniqueness.... deciding to relax and get out of his way, letting his own personality emerge. By loosening up on their own old perception of their son, they found themselves enjoying him instead of comparing or judging him.
Their son began to relax and found his niche. He even blossomed at sports.

Children thrive on those moments when we honor them as surprises and gifts, presents from the Presence who made them.

Scripture Passage

Psalm 139:14-16

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knows right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.


You may use or reproduce the messages written by Rob Bailes with permission, either by email or verbal. These messages are not allowed to be sold or used for advertisement purposes. Contact Rob Bailes by email at: robbailesministries@yahoo.com or call (919)745-1210