1.The best time to kill weeds is when they are young.  This is when weeds are most vulnerable because they are still growing and growing rapidly so they will more quickly incorporate the poison into their undeveloped root systems and eventually be killed off.  I wonder if this is one of the reasons  Jesus was so concerned with the protection of children who came to believe in Him.  Matthew 18:6 says-

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (NIV)

Causing a little one, one so vulnerable to poison, to sin is a grievous offense because of the unique vulnerability of those who are not only chronologically young in age but young in the faith as well.  Causing one to sin may not just be enticing to sin but also includes failure to train and lead away from sin. 

Our little ones also must be protected from those who would entice them to sin and the Lord knows how many there are desiring to entice little ones to sin.   As examples of subtle "leadings off the path", my son has recently been encouraged to sneak a little candy in a class, watch  more TV  and  get  a video game.  While none of these things may be sinful, they encourage  discontentment, disobedience and discord as they are activities that we as a family do not encourage.

As I think on these points, I am at once humbled and awed that God has entrusted me with the care and growth of two of His little ones in a very special way as their Mom.  Although it is so tempting for me to want gifts and honor and praise and recognition on Mother's Day, I know in my heart I should just be thankful that God has already honored me by allowing me to help His Kingdom come her on earth through the gift of Motherhood. (this will be the topic of a different post!)

I must continue to protect my little ones as God leads me from the poison of the Evil One, Satan, especially in these crucial early years lest they be choked off and die before they really have a chance to live.

I pray that God will give Sam and I the strength and wisdom to follow His guidance in the matters of protecting our family today and every day.  Help us to hear You and obey You Lord. In Jesus' name I pray.