Midweek Meditation: "How Children Learn"

One of the ways of the Christian life is to live as children of God. How does one live as a child of God? Maybe we do. Maybe we don't know how. Perhaps, even when we fail to experience the earthly love that we deserve, we can play a part to ensure that other children can benefit in some small ways. Here is a reminder from Dorothy Law Nolte (1924-2005), an American author and counselor whose famous poem below has touched many.

HOW CHILDREN LEARN (Dorothy Law Nolte)

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.