Early Intervention

 

I don’t know a lot about early intervention from an educational viewpoint except that it means the earlier we start correcting a problem the earlier the child will overcome whatever deficit is being addressed.

My 19 month old granddaughter, Stella, was here yesterday for lunch. Her daddy was going to join us from work. He was a little late getting here but she was hungry. Her Mom sat her down with a plate of food and she started at eat. Her Daddy arrived a few minutes later and the rest of us sat at the table with her and bowed our heads to thank God for the meal He had provided for us.

Stella heard us prepare to pray (her Dad was appointed pray-er for the meal), she stopped eating, folded her hands, bowed her head and stayed that way until she heard “amen.” You can only imagine my delight as a Christian grandma to see that my little granddaughter is establishing the habit of thanking God for His provision for her.

Did she get it? Was she actually thanking God for her food? I seriously doubt it though she does have “tant tu” down pat. But, has she gotten the idea that her parents stop before eating and before bed to talk to the One who supplies for them and protects them each and every day of their lives? Absolutely. What a valuable lesson to learn so young.

I think that we often underestimate the abilities that God has given us – even the young – to learn about who He is and what He does for us at a very early age. Toddlers understand a lot and early examples of devotion to the Lord will set them on the right track for life.

In Proverbs 1:7 we’re first told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom then in 19:23 God says that, “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”

Is this not what every parent wants for their child, salvation, satisfaction in life and protection from harm? What greater gifts could we offer our children?

The education experts may not see lack of knowledge about the Lord as an area of need for early intervention but surely God does. We’re told to train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6).

You may not have a toddler in your house. You may not have any children. But with the way families are moving away from time together around a meal the example needs to be set at any opportunity, not just for the young in age but for those young in the Lord. Starting today, will you stop before meals, bow your head, fold your hands, and thank God for His many blessings to you so that whatever the age of those near you they will see the example of your devotion to the Lord who has provided it all?