Sabbath Reflections - Pure in Heart

We recently returned from Carmel, Indiana having spent a few days with 4 of our grandkids. This week we are off to Dallas to spend some time with 3 more of our grandkids. Immediately upon our return from Dallas, we will have 4 more of our grandkids visit us in Sundance. And then we are off to Mesa for Thanksgiving to spend some time with 3 more. Amid the travel, we have spent time reading, playing, talking on the phone and enjoying the memorable moments. This morning Miles (2) called unbeknownst to his parents, and we were able to spend some time on the phone with Miles, Parker and Audrey. Amazingly, Sophie (2) has become quite adept at the iPhone as well. The tender moments arise whenever we receive an unexpected, but greatly appreciated, phone call from Mabel, Oliver, Emma, Annie, Jack, Max, Parker, Miles, Oliver, Audrey and each of these 14 precious souls. In reflecting upon our treasured moments with each of our grandchildren, I am reaffirmed in the scriptural references to children by the Master. The Savior tenderly entreats each of us to be as a little child (Matt 18:3-5), even to be "pure in heart." In looking upon these little ones, in talking with them, holding them and spending memorable moments with them - they truly are the "pure in heart." Without exception, these precious children are the joy of life; and we are counseled to become like them as recorded in Mosiah 3:19, "...and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

As the Savior is, so are they!

Amid the turmoil in our society, our hope lies in the hearts of these little ones. They bring a much needed perspective to each of us; their innocence and love unfeigned are without bounds, and their tender and willing forgiveness are exemplary for each of us. The infinite capacity within them to nurture, to love and to lift heavy hearts is without measure. Gratefully, the Lord tenderly entreats us to be like them. As parents there are those moments, but when we step back with perspective and love we see the hand of the Master in each of these little ones as we hold them or look into their eyes. They are His greatest joy, and they are ours! Hence, the immeasurable stewardship of trust endowed from above to nurture and care for them - to teach them of Christ and to love them. If any were a reflection of His tender and perfect love, it is they.

What joy there is in knowing that families are eternal - there is "joy in our posterity."

So important are children to the Him that He has set the consequence for any who would offend them in Matthew 18:6, hence my sorrow when I look about us in our society today and see the constancy of adversarial tendrils seeking to displace the purity of these little ones. Their vunerable innocence demands our vigilance and devotion, always. Their purity of heart demands our emulation. In reflecting upon their nature and purity, I am drawn to the Master and with a grateful heart, appreciate the tangible nature of His love manifest in them.