The Inner Life

baby birds.” So they built their nest, and the mother bird laid the eggs, and in each tiny egg is the beginning of a baby bird. These wee birds grew in the egg shell for several weeks, while the mother sits upon the eggs to keep them warm, and the father bird perches on a twig nearby to keep his mate company, and sings sweet songs to her. After a time the baby birds grow too large for their little room in the egg-shell and peck their way out, and into the nest. How glad the large birds are when they can really see their very own baby birdies. Then they feed and take care of them until they are old enough to fly, and care for themselves.

“Now, children, perhaps you have wondered how fathers and mothers get their little boys and girls; you have been puzzled as to where the dear little babies come from, and how you are you. This is the best part of this beautiful story of life.

God has created us in His image, has made the most sacred and safest place in all the world for little human babies to live and grow in, because they are so tender and precious in His sight. That safe place is in a cozy little cradle in mamma’s body just beneath her heart, where you nestled and grew day after day.

For nine long months mamma ate and breathed for you and every evening we knelt together and prayed God to bless the dear little one that would come into our home and help us to be good and wise parents.

When you had grown too large for your little cradle home, then mamma suffered, oh, so much, that you might come from it, and be laid in her arms. But mamma was willing to suffer for she not only loved you, but was eager for the time when you should love us. So, darlings, you must love mamma better than any one else in the world.”

The children were very attentive during this entire story, then slipped quietly down and left the room. A moment later I entered the sitting-room and saw the most beautiful picture I ever looked upon. The girl was on her mother’s lap with both arms around her neck, while the boy stood by her side, lovingly resting his head upon her shoulder.

It was then I realized as never before how parents rob themselves of the tenderest and sweetest love of their children; by false modesty and indifference the strongest cord that binds the family together is broken.