If a child

I received a gift today from a coworker-a book of different thoughts and quotes. It is really nice. It had a thought in it that I reminds me why I teach, that I might be that lifting, building force in a child's life.

If a child
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive.
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to hate.
If a child lives with self-pity, he learns to be sorry for himself.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns self-confidence and integrity.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative.
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is.
If a child lives with friendliness,
he learns that the world is a good place in which to live.
-Anonymous

I heard something similar to this years ago and this reminded me of it. The power you have in how a child grows up-you can build them up or tear him down-all in how we treat them. May we build and not destroy these little lives that Heavenly Father has intrusted us with. I have no children of my own, but I have been blessed with many around me as a teacher, as an aunt, as a friend. I am grateful for such a blessing and for the love I feel for each of them. I know it is a gift from God.