October 1 , 2020 The Beacon • 9
Remember young children are listening to us
Letter to the Editor :
Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath , as found in I Samuel 17 . Many of us have contemplated about how brave the young boy David was because of his faith in God , even at such a young age . David knew no matter how great the giants , if God is with you , the battle is his and you need not be afraid .
Our daughter , husband and five children join us for supper each week at our home . I was having a conversation with our daughter on one such occasion about how for years I had wanted someone to create a piece of art portraying the power of God standing behind the young boy David as he slew the giant Goliath . The problem was always how to draw a picture of God , a spirit never visually witnessed by any human ( John 1:18 ), according to the Bible .
Our granddaughter Callie , age 7 , was listening in on the conversation . Without my knowing it , she determined to fulfill my years-long desire and bring it to reality . With water colors , Callie painted Goliath very large and intimidating , complete with armor in gray . David , having just slung the stone from his slingshot , stands small with an expression of “ why worry when God is in control ?” Behind David is the miracle in the painting . Represented by a heart ( love ) and a very bright light , the power of God is very apparent in Callie ’ s painting , perfectly articulating God ’ s presence in the life of those who are faithful .
We ’ re familiar also with the expression , “ out of the mouths of babes .” How amazing to realize how much our young children listen to what we adults are saying . How amazing the desire to take what they hear and apply it to their lives : in their behavior , in their actions and , in this case , in Callie ’ s painting . We ( Kathy and I ) are blessed to have 11 grandchildren from our three children . All who are old enough to do so have expressed the desire to grow up as faithful followers of their Creator God , who is their protector . Callie is the youngest in her family and has three sisters and one brother . I am blessed to be called “ Pap ” by every one of them . Dan Swanson Coshocton
Submitted
Dan Swanson ’ s granddaughter painted this picture after listening to a conversation between adults .
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