Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dentist?

No fear here!  Just this morning, our 13 year old walks in to the bathroom to find our second-born standing on the sink for a close up view of the mirror.  In her hands is a cup of rubber bands which she is trying to attach to her teeth so as to mimic her big sister's recent and apparently very cool addition to her orthodontia.

FAst forward another hour or so, and this aspiring dentist has now recruited her younger brother and somehow convinced him to be her "customer".  With our gliding rocker tilted back and propped up with a plethera of books, she had created her own examination room in a matter of minutes.

Her brother now strapped to the chair, the banter begins of her trying to convince him to trust at a deeper level than he is comfortable, and he demanding that rubber bands do not taste good!

A couple of years back I was listening to a speaker on the radio talking about parenting.  He referred to Proverbs 22:6 and "training up a child in the way he should go".  This morning I recalled his explanation of this concept as being one of a home environment in which our children can grow in their God-given personalities, gifts and interests--give them space to grow.

Back to the bathroom sink.  In that moment I had a flood of tempting restrictors that threatened a healthy and safe enough lab for practice.  I could have given in to those and thwarted not only that glorious scene, but the entertaining interaction that followed.  I am reminded of how often I allow myself to be inconvenienced or even worse, feel as though restricting such activity is doing them a favor.

Now don't misunderstand me.  I believe that safe and healthy boundaries are needed.  But I tend to think that each of us drifts towards one extreme or another in most if not all issues, and I tend to drift towards over-control when it comes to parenting.

So, may our home be a safe place for our children to experiment and grow in their gifts and interests and personalities.  And just as they have no fear of the dentist, may they have no fear of taking reasonable (non life-threatening) risks.

Two Guys on a Log: Do What Jesus Tells You

A large log hangs suspended from two swing chains in our backyard.  This was the scene of mine and Gabe's Bible reading this morning: Jesus' First Miracle.

I was struck by the words of Mary, "Do what Jesus tells you to do."

The servants had a problem.  A need was identified.  "We are out of wine!"

The solution.  "Do what Jesus tells you to do."

At this point I am conflicted.   I see an opportunity to make a connection for Gabe, but I also hear something for me.  "What is God saying to me today?  How am I responding?"  I could sit on that one for a while.  How about you?  I tucked this one away for the moment at hand...

Since wine is not a familiar substance in our home, I likened it to having a cup of water and--without any grounds or beans or French press or filter--it suddenly becoming coffee.  (Gabe really likes helping me make coffee.)

Now, we know how this ends.  Simple, right?  Automatic, right?  "And what happened when the servants did what Jesus told them to do, Gabe?"

"He turned the water into wine."  The servants responded.  They did what Jesus told them to do.


Segue. "This is why it is important for you and Abby and Lydia to do what Mommy and Daddy ask you to do.  It helps you learn to do what Jesus asks you to do."  I get it.  It's important for our children to learn to do what we ask them to do.  This is a training ground, preparation for a life of living in God's love, a life response to the One who has given all so that we might live.  "Parents, do not exasperate your children."  No pressure parents, right?

Then I get to thinking about my life today.  What is God saying to me?  How am I responding?