I was reading my Bible the other morning and noticed a common theme - repetition. Every other sentence I read was punctuated with "because I am God". Proverbs is notorious for repeating the same wisdom over and over and over. The New Testament echos the Old Testament. Biblical truth is presented repeatedly, in different books, using different words, sometimes straightforward and other times in parables, but, inevitably, over and over and over again.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed my frustration rising as I said to one of my children "A wise man overlooks an offense", for the 180th time! When Sir Knight came home, I poured a cup of tea, exhaled a sigh of relief and proceeded to share my frustration at having to repeat myself endlessly. "I'm afraid, perhaps, our children have brain damage" I told him. "I tell them the same thing every day, 5 times a day, and they just don't seem to get it - I tell them flat out, I tell them stories, I lead them through their choices to the logical outcome and they still don't get it! They just keep doing the same things!" And then it hit me - the Bible does the exact same thing!
I tell my children the same thing, every day, because I love them and I want to equip them to run their race and win. Over and over I give them the principles of a Godly life - and, often, they don't listen. God reveals His will for his children over and over and over. Ultimately, I think God knows we are a little stupid. We have to be told the same thing multiple times in numerous ways, repeatedly, before that little light bulb goes off and we say "Hey, I get it!".
God is so faithful. He walks us by the hand, patiently telling us again and again what is for our best. He knows that we are a stiff-necked people and so, He keeps talking. And I must keep talking with my children. Day in and day out, I must speak truth into their lives. I must tell it to them plainly and in stories. Over and over and over again, even when I don't think they are listening......
We have an advent calendar that counts down the days until Christmas. The younger children excitedly open their door every morning and place their piece on the nativity. Yesterday, Princess Dragon Snack opened her door to find a Wise Man. "Oh, look Master Calvin, I got a Wise Man" Princess Dragon Snack squealed. "What's a Wise Man" asked Master Calvin. "A Wise Man overlooks an offense" said Princess Dragon Snack, matter-of-factly, "but other people can too".
So, I guess the Bible is on to something. Tell your children when they rise up, when they sit down, when you are walking on the way - they will rise up and call you blessed.
Enola,
ReplyDelete(captaincrunch)
This is one of the things I really enjoy about your blog Enola, you focus on the small issues in life that can carry over to much larger issues.
There is so much fear and dread out that in the blogsphere right now, and so much negativity.
Thank You Enola for offering a positive outlook during some really bad times.
By the way, my nieghbors two year old daughter gets told over, and over, and over again not to do certain things. She's very independent and stubborn (like her Dad) I admire her parents never ending patience. I guess thats really good parenting.
Thank you, Enola. I really needed that today! With 9 children, by the time I'm training the youngest I've said the same things so many times - but I must persevere and remind her, too, in love. God gives grace!
ReplyDeleteDear Enola, One of the major highlights of my life now, at 71, is when one of my children tells me "Mom I remember when you told me....(fill in the blank)". And I know it has stuck!!! Praise Him!!
ReplyDeleteOr when I was raising 3 young grand-babies who are now grown and my dear granddaughter recently said to me say "Grandma, I remember when you told me about the tea cup and cleaning out the inside of the cup not just the outside," - a biblical truth I learned in Emily Barnes wonderful book "Fill My Cup, Lord".) She is now raising her own precious little one (this one year old child - he just melts my heart) and she will, I know, pass along great Godly wisdom to him, and he, one day to his children.
Do I remember any of this motherly, Gmaw wisdom I passed along...not a bit. But I know I told them much. And still do. I know, too, that it still sinks in, even when I think they are not listening!!
His majestic word tells us in Isaiah 55:11 "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
I cling to those words along with Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ..."
Oh, such stunning pearls of great, substantial wisdom. If only people would not only read their Holy Scriptures but ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance, understanding, insight and wisdom - this ever darkening world would be such a different place to be in.
Pat
I can think of many things from childhood that were repeated over and over that stuck. That, and things learned "the hard way" that stuck. It works,and is worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious photo! It's pretty hard to be frustrated when they don't remember something when they turn around and give you a look like this:)
ReplyDeleteBless your heart for being able to capture the little special moments so many of us pass up because we're so busy thinking about what still has to be done every day instead of living in the moment and taking "time to smell the roses" (or maybe in your case right now, smelling the snow in the air:)
I read your last post with mixed emotions-very sad that you might soon not post your thoughts, yet totally understanding your reasoning.
I don't follow many blogs-but yours has brought so much joy, common sense and wise encouragement and instruction that it would surely be missed.
Please know I consider you a special friend,a kindred spirit in many ways, even though we've never met and will remember your dear family in my thoughts and prayers. Whatever your decision is to be, blessings to you and yours and in the meantime,have a very special Christmas!
Mary(ft laud)
My Dad once said to me:
ReplyDelete"If you could make a living at it, you would make a good door stop."
another time:
"I swear, if I was to give you 3 ball bearings, leave for an hour and come back, you would have lost one, broke one, and eaten the third."
Both times he was just a bit exasperated with me.
BUT he kept on and eventually I guess I was able to pick up a bit from him. You just have to keep on keeping on.
WolfBrother