I was growing up in the love of God. About this time, Our Lord gave me an opportunity to work with little souls. It came about in a tragic way; a family member of our nurse died quite young, leaving a family of three babies; and during her illness we took in the two little girls, the oldest was not yet six years old. I took charge of them all day, and was delighted by their simplicity. It was a real pleasure to see how simply they believed all that I told them. Baptism does indeed plant deeply in our souls the theological virtues, since from early childhood the hope of heavenly reward is strong enough to make us practice self-denial. When I wanted my two little girls to be especially kind to one another, instead of promising toys and sweets, I talked to them about the eternal recompense the Holy Child Jesus would give to good children. The older one, who was coming to the use of reason, used to look quite pleased and asked me fascinating questions about the little Jesus and His beautiful Heaven. She promised me faithfully always to give in to her little sister, adding that all through her life she would never forget what I had taught her.
I used to compare these innocent souls to soft wax, ready to receive any impression—either for better or worse. I understood the words of Our Lord: “It would be better to be thrown into the sea than to scandalize one of these little ones.” (cf. Mt 18:6). I wonder how many souls might attain great sanctity if only they were directed well from early in their childhood. I know God has not need of anyone to help Him in His work of sanctification, but as He allows a clever gardener to cultivate rare and delicate plants, giving him the skill to accomplish it, while reserving to Himself the right of making them grow, He wishes to be helped in the cultivation of souls.~St. Therese Adapted from Story of a Soul
I used to compare these innocent souls to soft wax, ready to receive any impression—either for better or worse. I understood the words of Our Lord: “It would be better to be thrown into the sea than to scandalize one of these little ones.” (cf. Mt 18:6). I wonder how many souls might attain great sanctity if only they were directed well from early in their childhood. I know God has not need of anyone to help Him in His work of sanctification, but as He allows a clever gardener to cultivate rare and delicate plants, giving him the skill to accomplish it, while reserving to Himself the right of making them grow, He wishes to be helped in the cultivation of souls.~St. Therese Adapted from Story of a Soul
