The Caring Garden of Glimmer Glen

brought to you by Chaplain Dan

or Papa, depending on our relationship.

Written for kids ages 6–10
 

My granddaughter, Madelyn, loves books.

Her Dad and Mom read her brother and her at least one every night before prayers and bedtime.

So I was inspired to make a children's version of

The 7 Essentials for Caring that Makes a Difference.

ChatGPT gave me a lot of help.

This is only the beginning.

Welcome to Glimmer Glen!

In a sunny glen behind the hills,
Where flowers sing and time stands still,
There’s a garden full of joy and light—
Where caring hearts make wrong things right.

A Special Invitation

One morning, Maddy found a golden envelope.
“You are invited to Glimmer Glen,
Where caring starts and hearts will mend.”
Inside were seven sparkling stones, each with a lesson of its own.

Essential #1 — The Nature to Care

Maddy met Benny the Bear by a bubbling stream.
“You can’t give love unless it’s real,” said Benny with a gentle feel.
“Let God plant seeds of care in you—
Then love will blossom in all you do.”

Essential #2 — A Focus on Others

Next, a fox named Fern with kind, sharp eyes,
Said, “Look around—don’t just pass by.”
“Care begins when we truly see,
The needs of friends and family.”

Essential #3 — Your Presence

Near the lily pond, a turtle sat still.
“I don’t have answers,” said Tobias the Turtle. “But I will sit with you until…”
“Sometimes the best way we can share,
Is being near and simply there.”

Essential #4 — Extreme Listening

“Zip your lips, open your ears,”
Said Melody the Bluebird, fluttering near.
“When you listen with your heart and eyes,
You help another soul to rise.”

Essential #5 — Patient Persistence

Luna the Ladybug worked every day,
Helping flowers bloom along the way.
“Some hurts take time, some hearts need grace—
Stick around, don’t leave the race.”

Essential #6 — Safe Guards

“Care is precious, like morning dew,”
Hooted Harmony the Owl from a tree of blue.
“Be wise and kind—protect what’s true,
And always do what’s safe for you.”

Essential #7 — Be Ready

By the garden gate stood Sir Cedric the Squirrel.
He packed a bag with nuts and pearls.
“Care can come at any hour—
Be ready with love, it holds great power.”

Maddy’s Promise

Maddy now knew just what to do—
She’d care for others, as God cared too.
With her seven stones tucked in her heart,
She stepped back home to do her part.