| Tara's Heartbeat | |
WALK SLOW DADDY Walk slow daddy and measure every step, because the little one behind you is watching. He tries to do everything he sees his daddy do, and listens for a soft but masculine voice, to which he reponds with love and eagerness. But if he hears a mean, rude voice, he reacts with a stubborn rebellion. This little fellow watches all you do as you mold his little life and character. Its easy to say, "You don't do this," and at the same time be gulity of it yourself. He doesn't undersatnd the words you say, if you confuse him by doing the same things that he's not supposed to do. The steps you take are huge ones compared to his little shoe size, so be careful not to make the steps bigger than even you can walk in. He hasn't been the places you have been, or done the things you have done, so guide him in the right way. Always show him love and understanding with a firm but gentle hand. Praise him for the little things that to him are quite important matters. What seems insignificant and silly to you, might be crucial to his little world. Don't nag and criticize because discouragement comes so easy for him. Dig deep and remember that once your were a little boy yourself. Remember when you scold him that he is not a miniature adult, but a creation in progress. He is only a little boy that is trying so hard to walk tall and be like the daddy he adores. You are his example of what a man should be and do. So walk slow daddy, and carefully measure your words and actions. It may seem like he isn't listening and watching, but very little escapes these little creatures called 'boys'. Daddy, please don't make it impossible for him to measure up to you, because than he is sure to fail someday. And if and when he does fall and messes up really bad, help him back up, daddy, and show your unconditional love. Teach this little one to be brave, but also when to fear. Teach him to be strong, but instill in him that tears are not a sign of weakness, but rather the sign of a tender heart. Show him how to love, and never how to hate. Reward his efforts with love and praise, and remember that the element of love is required both in praise and discipline alike. Patient daddy, for much too soon, he will be all grown up and your job will be complete. It is a big task raising a child, but if you do it right, the rewards on Earth are but a small taste of those that await you in Heaven. After all, he doesn't really belong to you, daddy, he is just a loan from God for a while. He is a gift of life, a gift that nothing else can compare to. So, walk slow daddy, an with each step you take in this little one's life, ask for God's guidance and love to see you through.
Tara Hart copyright (1979)
What is this creature we call a little boy? He is smiles with a dirty mouth and eyes dancing with tons of orneriness. He is hands caked with mud and a nose all freckled and red. He is a shout of glee at the mention of ice cream, but at times he's a turned down smile. Oh, what a frown because Mama said No! This little creature we all adore, is so many things all wrapped up in one. He is a handful of snow, a fistful of grass and feet all covered with mud. He is a wee small voice that says: "Ah, Mom, do I have to?, or sometimes, "I love you, Mom!", and at other times, "Oh, please Mom?" But whatever you do, beware when he says, "Catch it, Mom!", because the 'it' can be anything from a ball to a slimy old toad! The sunbeams play about in his hair as he romps in the summer's green grass. The raindrops trickle down his shiny red nose. But at the first hint of thunder off he goes to find mom. The blustery wind finds him throwing snowballs, his eyelashes glistening with snowflakes. He is energy unending while your feet ache with pain. He is laughter and giggles with a new pet, but at times such sad tears. He is shoes on the wrong feet and coat upside down, and clothes that are on wrong-side out. His eyes sparkle with delight as he picks up a gift, wild anticipation as he rips the paper to shreds. This unforgettable creature is indelibly etched in your memory. Down through the years his words will echo in your mind. "That's just what I wanted, Mom, how did you know?" "Mommy, I love you, whole big bunches!" This little boy is bubble gum all tangled up in his hair, cake icing all over his nose, a koolaid flavored mustache, a muddy little cheek. His best friend is his loyal puppy and some little people that you can't really see. He is a bundle of love as a baby. He is adventure mixed up with excitement and imagination after he is off your knee. He is dozens of funny little tricks just waiting to play on someone like you. He is words like 'why', and 'can't'. A boy is so many things all wrapped up in one neat little package. But most of all, he is a gift to treasure, a life to mold and to lead. He is a joy to your heart when he prays on his knees and sings his first song about Jesus. He is tears and eyes full of fears, as he runs down the path on his very first day of school. You, see, he knows something is about to change, but he isn't quite sure why or when. But with each day that passes, he will like school better and finally he won't even kiss you good-bye as he runs out the door to catch the bus. It is then you realize that he is no longer a little boy, but now quite a young lad. Beware. He used to step on your toes, but now he will step on your heart! Always treasure each day of his young years because all too soon they are gone. Cherish forever the little one that GOD in His goodness loaned to you.
(C) 1980 by Tara Hart
Everything in today's world suggests that time is on a collison course with mankind. Even Nature knows that time is running out. So, it isn't difficult to believe that Jesus has much to say to us in these final hours. He is speaking............ but is His 'church' listening? If they are, one of the things we should hear is something few of us really want to hear. Could it be that our Lord is saying it is time to make a choice? And if so, perhaps this is what He is saying. "If you aren't living for Me now, and refuse to even consider doing so in the near future, don't let me hear you pompously say you would die for me if the need arose. Someday soon, you may be asked a question...........one that you will have to answer without fail. The question is, "Do you love Jesus.......are you willing to die right now for HIM?" When it is your turn to answer, will you say 'yes', or will you instead deny Him as Peter did? The cold, hard fact is that if you aren't living for HIM and HE is not your central focus, your answer won't be what He so longs to hear. In today's world, it is so easy to become complacent and even indifferent to the voice of GOD. This is a dangerous place to be. It is time to take our spiritual temperature and determine where we really stand......what we really believe. So, let's take this simple test to reveal if we are hot, cold, or lukewarm. Imagine in your mind's eye, a scene where you, your spouse, children and grandchildren are all gathered; many bystanders watching from a distance. A man clothed in what appears to police garb is standing in front of you............all eyes are fixed on him. The room becomes deathly silent. Your fear mounts as the man looks deep into your eyes and then speaks. "Look! Here is your loved ones...... see them? Look at their tear-stained faces! Listen to the little ones begging you not to say 'yes'. How can you put the man Jesus,above your loved ones? How can you justify the grief and pain they will suffer, when they watch you die for your cause?" the man asks accusingly. Now, put yourself there in the picture. You are the one in front of the man. You can see your loved ones faces, hear their sobs.......the wrenching cries of "Please Don't! NO! NO! NO. The man looks at them.......then turns to you one last time, his gun drawn.......his finger just inches away from the trigger, sweat beading his brow. His eyes are stern and your mind races not knowing what response to make. "Have you decided? Time is up........I want a answer now! Is this Jesus guy more important than your life or your loved ones? If you say 'yes', YOU ARE GOING TO DIE! So tell me..............what will YOUR ANSWER BE?" |
