Nurturing a child’s sense of personal worth and therefore hope and dreams for a wonderful future is perhaps the most important responsibility of every grownup in a child’s life.

We absolutely must battle with every bit of determination we can muster to root out the harm that would warp the souls and spirits of children in our world.

Just know this: What you will do among children is as close to the heart of God and central to his kingdom as anything we could mention.

Watch carefully the children around you. In precious moments you will catch a glimpse of your Savior’s face. Listen intently and you will hear his voice. Walk gently among them; his footprints are all around you. Embrace them, for you are embracing him. Respect them, because they are sometimes God’s agents – exactly the kind of instruments he needs. At such times, only a child will do.

To be compassionate in this hurting world means it will cost you something.

If we nurture the dreams of children, the world will be blessed. If we destroy them, the world is doomed!

Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life.