Monday, November 29, 2004
It has been a challenging month to say the least. As parents of an active seven-year-old boy, we have recently had our fill of time-outs and scoldings. Please know, however, that our son Leo is not any different than any other seven-year-old boy; in fact, he is your quintessential seven-year-old. But we have been at our wits' end at times. And we wouldn't want it any other way...
If you have children, have you been there as well? If so, then the following story I recently found may very well be the answer for helping to remain sane as a parent.
THE FIRST PARENT
After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing God said to them was: "DON'T." "Don't what? Adam asked. "Don't eat the forbidden fruit, said God." "Forbidden fruit? Where is it?" Adam and Eve asked, jumping up and down excitedly.
"It's over there," said God, wondering why he hadn't stopped after creating the elephants. A few minutes later God saw the kids having an apple break, and He was very angry.
"Didn't I tell you NOT to eat that fruit?" God, the "First Parent" asked? "Uh huh," Adam replied. "Then why DID you do it?" God asked exasperatedly. "I dunno," Adam answered.
God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed. But there is reassurance in this story.
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give your children wisdom and they ignore it, don't be to hard on yourself. If God had trouble handling His children, what makes you think you can do better than Him?