Every tick of the clock reminds us that statistics show that not every one of these precious babies will make it to their third birthday without their lives being touched by violence, neglect, or abuse.  In the United States every 11 seconds someone reports an incidence of possible neglect or abuse. In 2004, the last year for which statistics are available, 872,000 children were determined to be victims of either abuse or neglect. Of this number 1,490 died. That’s an average of four children every day! Children in the age group of birth to three years had the largest rate of victimization.

The United States Department of Education in one of their publications, We Know What Works, reports: “We do know. . .that programs emphasizing home visitation can produce impressive results, particularly when they begin with prenatal care and include follow-up in the elementary school years. Programs that include regular home visits appear to be particularly effective in meeting new parents’ informational needs and allaying their anxieties.”

Heartbeats are the sounds of life. Each tiny beat reminds us that children are gifts from God and are to be loved and cherished. The ticking clock is the sound of time passing.  Both sounds remind us to be about the Lord’s business
NOW. . .for the sake of a child.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”
Psalm 139:14