Making it simple

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)

"Don't stand on the toys!"      "Stop spitting!"
"No climbing!"       "Don't bite!"
"No running!"      "No throwing toys!"
"Don't hit!"


These are just a few of the lines I say repeatedly while working in the toddler room of a child care facility. Repeatedly. So many rules. So many reminders. They are probably thinking, "well, what CAN I do?"

I had to make it more simple, for myself as well as for them.

Don't hurt.

Don't hurt yourself. Running, climbing, etc. could cause injury and pain. Maybe we should take this wise advise too. Don't do things to yourself that causes damage, harm, or unnecessary pain. Take good care of yourself. You, yes, you - are a beloved child of God.

Don't hurt the toys. Standing on, and throwing them. Abuse causes things to break and then we can't have them anymore. Take good, responsible care of all the things you have. Appreciate. Enjoy. Every good and perfect gift is from God above.

Don't hurt others. Hitting, spitting, biting. For them it's physical actions. For us, it could be done in words and attitude. Guard your mouth and your heart. Love your neighbor.

When it comes to yourself, possessions, and others: simply put - don't hurt.