There is a lie that Gen Xers have believed, and that is that daycare is necessary and even beneficial for modern family life. But the truth is, later statistics show that 1 in 5 children develop a serious mental illness. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have mental health issues as well, result of screen exposure and daycare in infancy. Komisar says there is no such thing as “good daycare” for a mother’s presence can’t be replaced, especially in those first three years when 85% of a child’s right brain is developed, the part that has to do with emotions and social understanding. When an infant is held by the mother, the baby’s nervous system is soothed, building emotional resilience.
Fathers are important and Kosim describes them as playful, tactile stimulators who encourage risk-taking and exploration. They are protectors against external threats. No wonder, a mother wakes up when the baby cries while the father sleeps, unless he hears danger which alerts him quickly.

When an infant is put in daycare with different caregivers, their developing brain goes into a state of stress. Left for eight hours, the baby perceives abandonment, resulting in a diminished capacity to handle adversity. Komisar writes that ADHD is not a disorder, but a symptom of a nervous system stuck in a hyper-vigilant, flight-or-flight state. Attachment disorder may result, and in later life, depression, anxiety disorders, and even borderline personality disorder. Before the age of three, children need a secure one-on-one bond with a consistent caregiver, which is hard to achieve in any day care center.

I want to encourage women today not to feel they have to work as a prerequisite for equality, but think more of the developmental needs of their children. There are years later to be in the workforce when children are in school. For some it is not possible because of circumstances, but one option named is a loving relative filling the spot or a long-term nanny. Let us be willing to make personal sacrifices to give our children what they need most: the consistent, loving presence of their parents, especially in the first three years of life.

There have been a few times in my life when I was really thirsting, like in the mountains when my mouth felt parched but there was no water available. I didn’t think of a hamburger or hotdog, but just a cool glass of water. Water is not only essential to people, but also to animals, plants, trees, etc. I read that a tree is 80% sap which is mostly water, but also is full of minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins that circulate to feed the tree. Trees are watered through their roots with dew, clouds, fog, mist, rain and snow. They do not hoard the moisture, but after it circulates, it is released into the surrounding air, emitting a fragrance when combined with oxygen.

We can learn lessons through nature, and the tree speaks to us that we must be well-watered in the Word and His Spirit if we are going to bless others. If we are dry and empty, we will have nothing to give out, for we are all shriveled. But when we drink deeply of God’s Word, it will speak to us and permeate us with His love, joy and peace. Let us not be shriveled, but overflowing and giving off His fragrance to those around us. When Al and I went to a Christian community in Wisconsin, it was as if the whole forest was filled with a lovely fragrance!

I recently got a phone call with the news that my dear friend Susan, who so many of you have prayed for over the years, died suddenly. We went to see her three days before Christmas as she was in the hospital in Brainerd with a broken leg and had been recovering from Covid. She was still upbeat and thankful that all her needs were met, for she had many physical needs. She hasn’t walked for many years and was wheelchair bound; she was hard of hearing, legally blind and had a special cup for her coffee since her hands were so gnarled by arthritis. She listened to tapes each day and didn’t feel sorry for herself when there were things she couldn’t do. Susan was a light shining just where the Lord put her as she witnessed to those around her.

I learned a lot from Susan, for she was so thankful and appreciative even though she had so little in worldly goods. Her son and grandson lived far away and rarely came to see her, but she still wanted to buy them a gift each Christmas and we would look for that special something at the Art Fair. She thought she had the best room in Birchwood and often remarked, “How could it be any better?” Each time I visited, she shared any concerns and we prayed over them. She loved when I brought chocolate cake with lots of frosting and cookies on a stick, and she spared some for her closest friends. She loved to give to others, even though she had so little.

I could go on and on, for God brought Susan into my life to help me rejoice in all circumstances, to trust in deeper ways, to not focus on material things or even on one’s health, but to be thankful, to give and that even the smallest gifts can bring joy to others. It’s not to say I haven’t shed tears as I miss her, but I rejoice for her that she is now with Jesus and can walk and leap and hear and see and know how much she is loved.

Challenge for today: Use the opportunities each day to share Jesus with others and learn along the way from those whom He sends into your life.