Sunday, October 26, 2008

Child-Rearing and An Un-fork-tunate Accident

*Please note, the pictures at the end of this post are not for the faint of heart. The nurse at Richie's school sent them by e-mail. We do not know the family, but I had to share it. I also do not know the story behind it. I do know that I can't look at it for too long. Now you're real interested, aren't you?...

We are currently working on our parenting skills...and will probably continue doing so for the at least the next 18 years. :) Obedience is such a vital lesson in the training of our children. Learning to obey their parents is the foundation for children to learn how to obey God. It's also a commandment. (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2)

Our goal in what obedience should look like is:

1. all the way
2. right away
3. with a happy heart

Unfortunately, up to this point we have typically been addressing the behavior and not the sin behind the behavior. The heart issues. It's difficult to know we've made many mistakes, but thankful to know things can change. Of course, change is never easy. But, oh. so. necessary.

Immediate obedience is a challenge in our house. What with our resident archaeologist-in-training who likes to practice his debate skills - which will come handy when he is arguing the points of a young earth and refuting carbon dating. And our resident toddler who is currently channeling Jabez, testing his boundaries, looking for an increase in his territory. *wry grin* Oh, and I guess there is that part about being sinners...

But learning to obey right away could save their lives. If I yell stop, it could save them from being hit by a car, getting bit by a snake, or countless other things that make this mama's stomach turn to think about. Not to mention the importance of immediate obedience to God...

I'll share some books that have really helped me understand biblical parenting another day, it's time to address the whole fork thing now. When I saw this picture, it reminded me of the importance of my children understanding that the things I tell them or the rules I enforce are for their own good.

Perhaps this little guy was disobeying his mommy when this happened...

Ouch!


Thankfully, he looks okay. A lesson I wouldn't want to learn the hard way!

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