“Jesus said, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 18:3-4

“As we read the scriptures, the love of the Lord for children is apparent. And understandably so: ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord.’” W Eugene Hansen 

This week in our Sacrament meeting (Sunday worship service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) it was the Primary Program, which means all the children from age 3-11 sang and shared testimonies of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Their sweet words were so heartfelt and honest. I felt the Spirit witness the truth of faith-filled, simple phrases such as, “Jesus loves me” and “We should be kind to everyone.” The music brought tears to my eyes and a burning in my heart as the whole chorus earnestly caroled words written by Shawna Belt Edwards, “Jesus is a God of miracles…of all his miracles, the most incredible must be the miracle that rescues me.”

The simple faith and trust of a child is humbling to behold. It’s easy to see why the Savior told us we need to become like these innocent little ones. They recognize Jesus, remember Him in their spirits.  They love pictures of Him and easily talk about and feel His love for them. Children, especially my own little clan, have shown me sweet, childlike attributes I want to develop.

“When it comes to understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father, the things my wife and I have learned as parents and grandparents that are of most worth knowing, we have learned from our children.” Boyd K. Packer

• Children love to be busy and work, wanting to please and do good. At a very young age, my first daughter was the little momma. She loved helping with the younger kids, cleaning up, and being bossy (like her momma). She felt happiest when she was busy working, helping, and doing. (She’s the one I had to ask not to take 6 AP classes one semester in high school—she took 5.)
• Children listen to their bodies; they eat when they’re hungry, stop eating when they’ve had enough, and sleep when they’re tired. They aren’t afraid to feel their emotions and let them show. When sad, they cry and want to be held, when happy, they laugh and sing and dance, and boy, do they scream it out when they’re mad. They receive gifts joyfully and appreciatively, no matter how small. My second daughter is blessed with all these attributes. We love to give her presents because she is the best receiver of gifts in the world. She has been known to squeal in delight, and shows her love and gratitude openly and generously, for anything given or done for her.
• Children give and receive love freely, without reservation, without judgement. They don’t care what you look like, how much you weigh, what you’re wearing, or if your hair is old-fashioned. They express that love with hugs and hand-holding, snuggles and smooches. They forgive freely, quickly, and completely. They practically glow when they’re shown the least attention and praise, openly and joyfully receiving it, instinctively knowing they are worthy of it. Back in the stone age, when I had three small children and was expecting my fourth, I was having a really bad day. My 3-year-old was testing me, and I was failing (3-year-olds are excellent instructors, haha). I crumpled onto the couch and cried. My little baby boy, about 18 months old, climbed up on my (crowded) lap, took my face in both of his tiny hands, looked me in the weepy eyes, and asked, in his sweet, high, baby voice, “Mommy cry?” I nodded and he wrapped his precious little arms around my neck and comforted me. I’ll never forget the love I felt from that little angel in that hard moment.

• Children are curious and open to learning, teachable and willing to be led by those with more wisdom. When one of my sons was little, he used to say, “Shut your guts up.” We secretly cracked up because it was a cross between shut up (bad words) and I hate your guts (also bad words). When he started saying, “I’m going to kill you,” I sat down with him and we talked seriously about what that meant. He listened intently, answered my questions, and never, ever said that again.   
• Children are kind and inclusive to others; everyone is a potential friend. They love babies, other kids, bigger kids, adults, and old people. One of my daughters was, and is still, a great example of this. She was the peacemaker, the friend, the one who welcomed everyone—boys, girls, younger or older, even dorky moms and dads—all were included. She grew up with brothers and boy cousins and was always one of the gang. She included her younger brother, as well, making sure he wasn’t left out.
• Children remind us of the simple joys of life. We see the world differently when we see it through the eyes of a child. The magical lights on the Christmas tree, the wonders of Disneyland, the fascinating animals at the zoo—all new again when shared with a child. We took our children to see Star Wars Episode II in the theater.  My little guy was with us.  He was young for it, but he’d grown up in a Star Wars family, so there you have it. I got to sit by him and hear his little comments and sounds of surprise and amazement. Near the end when Count Dooku has hammered Obi-Wan and Anakin, in hobbles Yoda.  In a sudden burst of Ninja speed and skill, Yoda takes on Dooku. My boy exclaims, “Whoa, that little guy is good!” Oh, it still makes me laugh; it was so sweet and funny. 
• Children live in the moment, wondrously experiencing every sensation fully. They aren’t afraid to dream big, be creative, and have vivid imaginations. My youngest loved to play with babies. She read her babies stories, sang to them, fed them, and took them on walks. One day, near Christmas, in Costco, she picked up the large block of cheese I was buying and started cuddling it and carrying it like a baby (so cute). She talked to it and played it with for a bit, then I teasingly told her it was time to toss the baby on the cart. She gasped, and indignantly chided, “Mom, nobody would treat a baby like that!” Then, looking thoughtful for a moment, added, “Except King Herod.”

These precious ones, who teach us so much, deserve our most earnest efforts to protect them from the many evils in our world today. No sacrifice is too great to teach them, prepare them, guard them, and shower them with love so they may know they are of infinite worth because they are children of God.

“There is in the scriptures, there is in what we publish, there is in what we believe, there is in what we teach, counsel, commandments, even warnings that we are to protect, to love, to care for, and to ‘teach [children] to walk in the ways of truth.’ To betray them is utterly unthinkable.” Boyd K. Packer