My husband and I had a holiday. We went to places where there were hills, shops, and takeaway food. I ventured into a shop one day that sold trinkets and ornaments. But the thing that alerted my attention wasn’t the possible purchases but the salesgirl, probably fifteen or sixteen years old, smiling as she served a customer. My eyes were drawn to the name tag on her shirt.

The name was unusual. I’ve seen some interesting and even bizarre names in all of my teaching years but this one really surprised me. Her name was Precious.

Precious. What does that word mean? My dictionary says “of great value, costly, of great non-material worth, beloved”

It made me think on the circumstances for parents to name their daughter, Precious.

I wasn’t to know or even ask the details but it gave me cause for contemplation. Maybe they had troubles leading up to the conception of their child, or complications during the pregnancy, or a difficult birth. Maybe even a family death or drama at the time of her birth. Maybe the circumstances weren’t anything extraordinary. Maybe she was just wanted and her parents were eagerly waiting for her to join the family.

Whatever it was, she was named such, because of her parents’ view. They knew what they knew and to them, she was precious. Maybe they knew what God knows: that every child is precious.

All of us have children around us. Whether we are parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, Sunday School teachers, or Youth Group workers. We all have opportunities to live our lives in the presence of children.

Parents, mothers and fathers…. When’s the last time you looked into the eyes of your children and saw how precious they are? Not just look at their outward behaviour or their attitude that needs working on… but look at them as a human being, created by a good God who gives good gifts?

Those who teach and minister to children… when did you last look at those children under your instruction and then act in a way that demonstrates that they are precious?

If we did this, I’m sure it would change how we train, discipline or spend time with them. It may change the way we go about giving instruction. We might even lose some of our tense and uptight “adultness” and slow down a bit.

Enjoy the years. Enjoy the time. Enjoy the moments of spilled milk, falls off bikes, more paracetamol for a coughing child, or teaching that lesson yet again. Enjoy them.

Parents, ask any person who has lost what you have and you will know what it means to see your child as precious.

You don’t have to name your child Precious. He or she just is.

Your job is to treat them like they are.

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3, 4

 

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About Alana Milson

Alana is a primary school teacher. She and her husband, David lived in Cairns for over 17 years but are now living in Cape York in a remote Aboriginal community. Alana enjoys teaching in many different capacities, reading missionary biographies and pursuing biblical womanhood.

7 Comments

  1. JANE 5 October, 2010 at 10:58 am - Reply

    Alana, you of all people, have consistently shown me what it is to treasure children. All of my children have felt loved and precious in your company. And that has made a difference in their lives. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Paul 6 October, 2010 at 12:02 am - Reply

    Alana, thanks for your post. I couldn’t help but think of the recent novel and movie about a girl named Precious (the novel is “Push” by Sapphire). This child is named Precious, but treated horribly. It is a reminder of human depravity, how twisted even our best impulses can become. And thus a reminder of our desperate need of Christ and His work for us on the Cross.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_(novel)

  3. Janet McKinney 6 October, 2010 at 7:50 pm - Reply

    Alana – this is a long lost contact from your childhood – oh yes I remember when you were a precious child,. My Mum (Mrs Polley) sent me a copy of your contact with her. How great to see you on here. I spent my first year teaching at Kowanyama – so love it that you are up in my old stomping ground! Must make contact with you
    Janet McKinney

  4. Belinda 7 October, 2010 at 7:12 pm - Reply

    Hey Alana – Am SOOOO looking forward to reading your thoughts. What a wonderful avenue for you to share your faith and to encourage and inspire us all as we look for what is really precious in the eyes of God. You go girl!!!!!! Belinda xo

  5. Lyn 8 October, 2010 at 5:47 pm - Reply

    MY precious!!!! My beautiful gift from God. The one who drew me to Him. I have loved and treasured every part of watching you grow and become this amazing woman of God. You bless me in so many ways. My little men at school challenge me close to my limits on some days and I have the lumps on my shins and the scars to remind me of that but when I arrive at school unexpectantly like I did today and their eyes light up as they say ‘Mrs Duuurkinnnn’, how blessed am I to be their teacher??? My God gives good gifts indeed and though I was very reluctant to take on this class at the beginning of the year, I am so glad God put me here. Thank you for this reminder to look at all children – indeed all people – as precious to God and so therefore precious to me, no matter what the behaviour or appearance. Much love, Mum

  6. Apo 26 October, 2010 at 1:36 pm - Reply

    Amazing thoughts, thank you.

  7. Hezza 25 November, 2010 at 10:18 pm - Reply

    you are some wise little chicky! thanks for the encouragement, yet again! xxx

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