April 17, 2007, is a day I will never forget. Yes, I had to introduce “the rod” to my child. Tory and I had been talking about this for several months and knew that not only would this be a part of our discipline for our children, but that Abigail was quickly approaching its implementation.
So it begins! In my search for more wise counsel on the issue of discipline, I ran across this book, recommended to me by a seminary professor’s wife. Tedd Tripp does an excellent job of explaining the mandate we as parents have been given through the Proverbs. He encourages getting into the heart of the child by directing them in obedience to God -- which necessitates obedience to Mom and Dad. Obedience to our Heavenly Father means loving Him with our whole hearts as well as loving our neighbor. So, were my intentions on that April morning appropriate? I hope so. My prayer is that the next time my child has difficulty sharing her Mr. Potato head, I can boldly explain that she should share not because her mom wants her to be a good kid, but because God has called her to love her neighbor, and that her Mr. Potato head, together with the cattle on the a thousand hills, belongs to God alone.
With all that being said, I highly recommend this source to all parents who long to train their children to live in honor and obedience to our loving and gracious God.
1 comment:
As the great aunt.... I do hope you are using a very small rod on our little princess. I would also suggest just buying two Mr. Potato Heads.... Now, you have to remember I used the rod on all our kids....Grandkids and great nieces just take on a different position... the older adults just can't help it..Abigail did not mean "not to share""....
Love you,
Janie D.
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