There's a song from years ago called "Cats in the Cradle" which was written and performed by Harry Chapin. It's an interesting song about a guy who was too busy for his son when the boy was growing up and then as the father begins to have time for his son later on in life, the son, following in his father's footsteps now has no time for his dad.
Really it's kind of a depressing song, yet it is one that I like to listen to often. I do so, not because I'm one of those people who get off on depressing, dark stuff, but rather because it helps me to stay on track with my own children, even though my son is 20 and daughter turns 18 tomorrow.
I've been told that I'm a good father by many people in my life, and while I do believe that, there have been many, many times where I wondered how much counseling my kids were going to need once they became adults. I'm trusting that the Lord will work out anything that I may have done wrong with my kids.
You know it's funny ~ there is an instruction manual for just about every thing out there, except for raising children. Oh, I know we've got the Bible and I thank God for that, but how many of you have looked cover to cover trying to find answers for something not specifically talked about in the Bible? I just thank God for the Holy Spirit and His counsel when there are no clear answers in the book.
Let me tell you a funny little story about my youngest son Noah. He went to be with the Lord about 3 years ago, so I can tell this story without any repercussions from him. It was probably six or seven years ago and I was emptying the bathroom trash can when I saw a condom and condom wrapper on the top of the garbage in the can. I immediately knew that my youngest son had once again been rummaging about the house and had gone through my bathroom drawer where I kept them.
Actually I'm pretty proud of myself, I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and just waited for the perfect opportunity, which actually came later that day. I was sitting on the porch when Noah walked by and I said, "Sit down for a minute son, I want to ask you a question." He sat down and I asked, "Did you get into my bathroom drawer today?" He said, "Yes." So I continued, "Do you know what that was that you found?" At this he kind of just sat there not saying anything, so I explained in vivid detail what a condom was used for, and how it is actually used.
As the blood was leaving his face, I realized that he had actually been blowing it up like a balloon. The thought of him turning one of my condoms into a balloon still brings a smile to my face to this day. The point of this story is that this particular circumstance wasn't covered with chapter and verse in the Bible. But by following the leading of the Holy Spirit I was able to educate my son and have a great laugh with my wife later.
I think one of the most important things to remember while you're raising your kids is to "be there" when you're there. Don't just check out when you get home after work, engage your kids in conversation, dance with your daughter or wrestle with your son ~ just be there, then you'll have no regrets once they grow up and move out.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
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