I came across this poem and it really spoke to me about the joys and pleasures of sharing our lives with children.

LITTLE PEOPLE
by John Greenleaf Whittier

A dreary place would be this earth
were there no little people in it;
The Song of Life would lose it's mirth,
were there no Children in it.
No little forms, like buds to grow,
and make the admiring heart surrender;
No little hands on breast and brow,
to keep the thrilling love-chords tender.
The sterner Man would grow more stern,
unfeeling nature more inhuman,
And Man to stoic coldness turn,
and Woman would be less than woman.
Life's song, indeed, would lose its charm,
were there no babies to begin it;
A doleful place this world would be,
were there no little people in it.

In our church's Christmas musical, they used a real infant for baby Jesus.  It was amazing to me what a difference it made in the actors--a difference that could be clearly seen even from the standing-room only balcony where we were.  "Mary" bounced the baby gently and kept looking down at her (yes, "Jesus" was played by a girl baby!)  "Joseph" kept fiddling with the blanket and peeking at the baby to make sure all was well.  You could tell with every subtle move that they were holding a fragile and important treasure instead of an inanimate prop.  Yes, I must agree with the poet!  Our lives are certainly made richer by sharing them with these Little People.  What treasures we have been entrusted with.  May we always remember to "Handle With Care"!