It was unanimous this morning.  Two of my students told about their cousin in class. I asked if he had gotten into trouble this past week and his answer to me was “no.”   He is all boy and a rather precocious young man; he does not lack boldness.  He can find Scripture and knows the steps to becoming a Christian.  He says the opening and closing prayer when he is in class.  If he has a fear of anything, he does not show it.  According to his cousins though, and they were quick to remind him, he was in trouble for not listening to his parents.

It reminded me of the influence children have on others, in particular his cousins. They tend to follow him in what he does, for he can be very persuasive.  His personality traits, turned in the right direction, can be a great asset in the future of the Lord’ church.

“Be not deceived:  evil communications corrupt good manners.”    (I Corinthians 15:33)

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:  but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”   (Proverbs 13:20)

“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”     (Proverbs 14:7)

“I recall very vividly the first time I ever drove across the Great Divide in Colorado.  I was struck with the awesome thought of influence and responsibility.  I was at the very dividing line in which a raindrop may go on its way to either the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean.  Then I thought on the momentous power of a little puff of wind in determining the destiny of a raindrop, how it can send it on its way to one ocean or the other.

Then I made the serious and searching application.  I thought deeply on the force and consequence of human influence.  I realized more fully that a little human sway at a critical point in another’s life can mark the fate of that person

Blow winds of influence, blow!  If you’re going the way I want to go, fine; if not, I will grab a limb and hold on to where I am.

Our friends and associates write their names in our guest books, but they do more  – they make imprints o our heart.

Many a tearful parent has said to me, “Oh, if my son (or daughter) had not gotten with the wrong crowd!”

For your present and future good, select your associates carefully, because a person is known by the company he keeps.”         ~ Leroy Brownlow

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”     ~ Rohn

Eileen Light