Because of a Child (part 1): Traces of God
By Merna Short of Melbourne, Australia
“And blessed are all peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” —3 Nephi 5:56 Book of Mormon RAV
The children slept over at Grandma’s house. I ran the bath with blue Cinderella water, but the children weren’t running in as usual. “Where are you?” I called. Three-year-old Maddy called back, “We’re in your sewing room, Grandma.”
I found them busily working with Grandma’s squares of fabric. “Susie is teaching me to make cushions,” she said proudly. Five-year-old Susie was teaching her to pin with the “ouchies” but had trouble trying to keep the padding from falling out. Being resourceful, she resorted to using sticky tape. “Papa,” said the three-year-old entrepreneur, “would you like to buy one of our cushions for twenty dollars real money?”
Hearing this story I marveled that at such a young age she should show such strong traits inherited from her father. At 14 he bought second-hand computers and computer parts to restore and sell to his classmates who did not yet have computers in their homes. He had even set up a thoroughly researched business plan.
Inheritance!…A new realization for me. Our gifts and talents are our inheritance from God. Some of them come as a discovery at different times in our lives, and some overflow naturally from childhood. I saw them now with new eyes. We have inherited God’s traits. We are created in God’s image and…I wonder…what have I inherited that I haven’t explored yet?
What an exciting revelation…realized because of a three-year-old.
Prayer for Peace
Creator God, you have created each one of us with unique traits, and yet we see parts of ourselves in others. We have you in common. May we bless the peace we have in common as well.
Spiritual Practice: Honoring God’s Call in My Life
Reflect on God’s call in your life. Begin by prayerfully asking to recall particular moments when you have experienced God’s presence and invitation to share your gifts. When has God seemed most real in your life? When have you felt disconnected or resistant to God’s call? Reflect on what you did or might do to become reconnected to God. Write in your journal or reflect on how you can develop and share your gifts with others.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will see peace in others and celebrate our common ground.
