Thought for July 2026
How many of us can remember our childhoods? What is your earliest recollection of being a child? My memory is getting rather hazy but there are many happy memories as well as some sad ones, though I do remember the enormous love show to me by my mother. I also remember those long summer holidays which felt like they lasted for an eternity; how time flies nowadays!
I also have fond memories of our 3 children being born and mainly growing up in the Kentisbeare area; our youngest was even born in the sitting room of our house in Cotters Close and nearly arrived before the midwife did because of the snow, I vividly remember my panic as to what I was supposed to do, no one had told me!! As they grew up in the village it was fun getting to know the lanes and footpaths in our wonderful parish and beyond.
Many of us have children and grandchildren (even great grandchildren) and if not probably nieces or nephews, God children or maybe children of friends or people who live near to you. In either way children can be a real joy to you (though I admit an annoyance at times...) and I sense we can all help, even in a small way in their upbringing and guidance, helping them in their development in an increasingly complex and challenging world.
What did Jesus say about children? He welcomed them, blessed them and warned against causing them harm. "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these".(Matthew 19:14) He also pointed to the inherent traits of children- their humility, vulnerability and total dependence -as the mindset required for faith. He stated, "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10;15)
Sadly Sainthill no longer run a youth club or holiday club, but if anyone reading this would like a book of bible stories (or children's Bible) for a child they know, then we would be very delighted to provide one.
Enjoy your month of July!
Simon Cooper
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