HOW pleasant is the scene where children are happy and going, on with their play in peace, seeking in every way they can, to do what is for the others’ good. In our picture this week we see the older brother helping to amuse the younger. They certainly have conceived a very amusing trick to make horses of two little pups and a wagon out of their barrel kennel. But it does not seem as funny to the pups nor their mother, for she is looking up at the two children as much as to say, Have pity on my babies; for it looks as if the handful of weed-stems might be brought down on the pups. But, no doubt, it is all play, and there will not be anyone hurt.
It is evidently God’s intention that children should play. It is marked so with the young of all animals, as well as in the human family, and we read in Zech. 8, of the time when the Lord will have returned to Zion, and Jerusalem will be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain. All the people will be dwelling in peace and happiness at that time, “And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.”
The reason for all this is, the Lord will gather His people Israel in that day from the east and from the west, and He will delight to call them His people, and He will be their God in truth and righteousness. Ah, that is it; when God will be owned by, them as their God and they will go on in truth and righteousness before Him, all will be well: but when people forget God, and go on in that which is not right, there can be no real happiness.
May you, then, dear children, remember God in all your ways, whether at work, at school or play, and remember that God is ever watching, and He it is who is giving you all things, and it is your duty to fear Him, and to hear what He has to say to you in His word. In play, it will teach you not to cheat or take advantage of the other. In your work, not to be an eye servant, that is, not to be working only when you think Papa or Mamma are watching, but doing it faithfully as to the Lord, and the same thing in school with all your studies, and towards your teacher. If you walk in these ways, happiness will be the result in your path.
ML 01/24/1909