The Well Behaved Child
Yesterday I popped into the courthouse to get my license plate renewal. I had my 5 youngest kids with me. As we entered the room I gestured toward a long bench and said, “You guys sit there while I take care of this.”
So my kids sat on the bench and waited.
It didn’t seem like anything special to me. But a hush fell over the room. Whispers all around, “Oh my goodness! Look at those children!” “Those kids are just SITTING there.” “I’ve never seen anything like it.” etc.
I tried to pretend not to notice until a man came up behind me and said, “Ma’am, I have a 14 and 17 year old that need to come over to your house and watch your children so they can learn how to act!”
I smiled. I didn’t say what was on my mind. I didn’t think it would be appropriate, so I kept quiet.
But my message to that man is this…..if you want your children to behave well then you don’t need your children to observe my children. YOU need to observe ME.
It isn’t the children that are to blame. It’s the parents.
If your children are wild and out of control, don’t blame them.
It is our responsibility to teach our children how to act, how to treat others, how to be responsible.
It doesn’t come naturally to anyone! “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Roman 3:23.
Teach your children how to act in public places. Teach your children to do what you tell them to. Teach your children to put others above themselves.
It shouldn’t seem like a miracle when a well behaved child enters a room.
That’s my sermon for the day.
🙂
So true yet still hard to swallow. I get the “your kids are SO good” comment a lot and I struggle with just the right words to say. I want to point to the Lord for His blessings and yet still show that it is through the parents that Christ works. There are many who here, “I am blessed.” and think “oh, she’s just lucky. i got the bad kids.” Anyways, I usually end up saying, “We work hard at it. It takes a lot of work but it’s worth it. We are blessed.” something along those lines.
I’m sure it’ll change as I’m always trying to refine the words I use and glorify God with them.
.-= Autumn Beck´s last blog ..Develop Healthy Eating Habits Early =-.
Yes Autumn! It is hard to know what to say. My personality would be too blunt. Sometimes I say what a blessing they are, sometimes I say that it is a hard job that takes time and patience. You only have a second with the person in public that makes a quick remark. I pray before I go out, “Lord, let me bless someone today.” and let Him give me the words. Lisa~
Children….my favorite topic. : )
I like picturing your cuties all lined up, swinging those lil legs back and forth, bright eyed, thinking of nothing, just waiting on their purty Momma to finish her business.
Oh, Rhonda! You nailed it.
Great sermon.
.-= Grateful for Grace´s last blog ..Darkness =-.
Your actions are a living sermon to all who witness. Amen and amen.
thank you ALL for giving me words to say when people say “Annie is such a good kid”
you are so right, it is a blessing, but it is also constant work and diligence. Why don’t people get that? My reward comes every day when my beautiful daughter says “mom I love you”.