By Jeri Johnson
A The Kids & Me Contributor
I like to read poetry; it relaxes me and helps me to forget the cares of the day. One of my favorite poems is “Ode to Intimations of Immortality” by William Wordsworth. In this poem, Wordsworth describes the joy and innocence of his early childhood. He also gives encouragement to children of every age, from infancy to adulthood.
Wordsworth says that when a child is born, he comes from a perfect setting - heaven. The memory of heaven stays with him. He is, in fact, enclosed in celestial light. He sees a glory in the earth that adults cannot see. As the child grows and is exposed to the systems of the world, that light begins to fade. By the time that the child reaches adulthood, that light is diminished. Eventually, it fades into the light of common day. It is the goal of the adult to remember and recapture the joy surrounding that light of his childhood because that is what sustains him when things get tough.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12). He also admonished us to “Walk while you have the light lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35). As soon as a child can understand, his parents should see that he develops a strong spiritual foundation. It will not only help him to recognize Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior, but it will serve as a source of strength in any situation. Is your child bullied at school? Teach him to remember the light. Does your child have developmental traits so that he cannot keep up with his peers in some areas? Teach him to remember the light. Does that absent parent fail to follow through with promises made? Teach your child to remember the light.
As parents, we also need to remember that Jesus is our Light and the Source of our strength. Are we overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a single parent? Remember the light. Is the car or the house in need of repairs and the money is not in the budget? Remember the light. Your doctor doesn’t like the results of your bloodwork and wants you to do more tests? Remember the light. Your elderly parent has medical issues and cannot continue to live by him or herself? Remember the light.
As we deal with the challenges that we and our children face, let us not forget that we should not only remember the light, but we are also obligated to show that light to others. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Not do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16).
In case you are interested in exploring the poem yourself: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45536/ode-intimations-of-immortality-from-recollections-of-early-childhood
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