Wednesday, April 2, 2003

Recently my son left on a two-day school trip. He was excited. I was concerned.

I took extra time to caution him to stay with his group and not to go with strangers. I also reminded him that he could trust his protection to God.

Like many parents I rejoiced in Elizabeth Smart's reunion with her family. Elizabeth's dad's proclamation that her return was the result of prayer filled me with resolve. Resolve that I will give prayer a prominent place in my arsenal against fear and treachery.

We must teach our children how to be safe and who to trust. And trusting a higher power (God) only makes sense. God can return loved ones to us, and God can prevent them from being taken. Are we prayerfully putting our trust and our children's lives in God's care?

We desire the best for our children. One of my favorite authors, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "Desire is prayer and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they can be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and deeds" ("Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"). Words, deeds, prayer a great and powerful protection for our children.

By the way, my son returned safe, sound and excited. I was excited too, because while he was away, I rejoiced that he had all the protection he needed.

John Babcock

Fayetteville