If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper--not a HOMEmaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decoratvie achievements, but have not love, my children learn of cleanliness, not Godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at eh tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through trials.

Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs withthe child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

As a parent there is much I must teach my child but hte greatest of all is LOVE.

-Jo Ann Merrell