IN our picture today, mother is giving baby a lesson of kindness. She is teaching her tiny girl that we need not be afraid of animals if we always treat them with kindness. She has put a bunch of tender, green grass into baby’s hand and is having her hold it out to the pretty pony. See how fearlessly baby offers the food to the horse! She has gone very close to the pony’s feet and yet she is not afraid. The horse seems to know better than to bite the little one’s hand, for he takes but a small bit of hay at a time.
Animals are very quick to understand and appreciate kindness. Horses, dogs and even chickens soon learn to know the people who feed and care for them and will follow them all about. Everyone should be kind to all birds and beasts, for God made and cares for each one. In the Bible we read, “He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” Ps. 147:9. In another place we read, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” Matt 10:29. It is very pleasing to God when we love and care for the dumb creatures He has made.
ML 12/16/1906