This past week was a stressful one around my house. Cameron, our 18 year old senior, decided he was going to purchase a motorcycle without first consulting with mom or dad. Now this was not an ordinary motorcycle, it was a crotch-rocket, a death-trap in my opinion. He has always been our child that ‘pushed the envelope’ when it came to following our family rules and expectations. He’s lived by the mantra “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission” for far too long.
I believed I was very clear in my communication to him about six weeks earlier when I said he wasn’t allowed to buy any more motorcycles, 4-wheelers, dirt-bikes etc. as he prepares to graduate high school and enter a new phase of his life. He has enlisted in the U.S. Marines and ships out for basic training in San Diego in August – for this we are very proud of him as we know it will help him learn how to follow basic instructions. So since my first lines of communication with him went unheeded, I felt we needed to have a man to man conversation. His mom was out of town and I asked his sisters to leave the house, as this conversation was not for the faint of heart. After a long discourse, Cameron was given seven days to sell the motorcycle or else – the or else I shall not divulge to protect the innocent. Well, day six came and he sold the bike, and he also made a small profit. What a relief it was for me and his mom.
Being a parent is not easy. Especially when you have to make tough decisions with children who don’t seem to listen and obey. I had to stop for a minute and catch myself. This is the same way God deals with his children – us. He has given us clear and simple communications and directions in the bible, but all too often, like Cameron, we choose not to listen. We choose to ask forgiveness rather than follow what the creator of the universe has asked us to do. He too has had to take a tough stance – either choose Him, or this world. One leads to eternal life, the other does not.
Philippians 2:12 – Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
Proverbs 4:20 – My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
“Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, forgive us for not listening to your word and following your instructions like we should. Thank you for teaching us through our own children how much you love us and want what’s best for us. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”