Nip it in the Bud~

When Hormone was eight years old, I became friends with another mom whose son played baseball with him. At first, everything was fine. She and I got along really well and enjoyed each other's company. The problem was that her little boy had a severe behavior issue. My kids were far from perfect, but honestly, they never once stared me right in the face and told me to "Shut up!" in public like my friend's son did to her again and again. The first time this happened I was too stunned to speak. But it was a regular pattern with this child, and one day he turned to my husband and told him to shut up in front of Hormone. That's about as close as Jorge ever got to slapping the chiggers out of another person's child. And I found myself in a dilemma: Do I end the friendship? Or do I stick around and try to help?

I ended the friendship. Shame on me:( But back then as a younger mom I was a little overwhelmed by it all and did not know what else to do. It hurt her tremendously. But if I could get a do-over I would have told her that in God's kindness, He let these things surface early so that we might have an opportunity to address them BEFORE things get out of hand. Plus, He would give her the best plan of action. Yet her life was defined by wasted opportunities. Not once did she correct her boy, and she was always making excuses for him. Things did not work out well for her family.

On the other hand, when Rayray was in kindergarten she quickly discovered that if she told the teacher she had a tummy ache, the teacher would call me and I would come running. At first I thought poor Rayray was destined to have a life of intestinal ailments. It truly wasn't until about the fifth time that it dawned on me that Rayray wasn't aching at all; she just wanted to go home. I did not know what to do to her, or say to her. I certainly did not want her to think that I thought she was straight out playing me. "Jesus," I whispered, "How can I get the point across that lying is dangerous?"

I did not want to ignore the matter, hope it would go away on its own, or overreact and alienate my baby. So God, Who promises in James 1:5 " But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give it to you...," answered my plea for help. The next time I picked her up early I told her the story of Peter and The Wolf. My version was more graphic, and it provided a detailed description of the wolf ripping poor little Peter's limbs apart one by one. I made my point, and little Miss Rayray was content to stay in school until 2PM like the rest of the children from that point on.

Every day we have a fresh start to get it right. The Bible is our guide to living, and we know He is here to help. Let's not waste any opportunities of our own to nip stuff in the bud. Let's ask God for the courage and wisdom to face things as soon as they arise.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Let's face it: We all need wisdom to handle our lives. Thank You that are generous in giving it, and we receive it right now in order to know what to say and what to do. Your wisdom is the best approach any of us could ever apply; we are grateful that You generously pour it out when we ask for it. In Jesus' name, AMEN~