We've all heard the phrase. Many of us have been on the receiving end and thought, "yeah, right!" While yesterday wasn't the first time that my 2-year old daughter, Haley, had gotten into trouble, I think it was the first time I really understood why parents make such a statement.
In a moment of rebellion last night, Haley decided she was going to do anything possible to not go to bed. After other tactics had failed and failed miserbly, I decided it was time for drastic measures. With Haley, that meant taking away her pacifier. You would have thought her world had just ended.
In that moment, I felt terrible. Yet, I knew that she needed to learn a lesson about obedience and face a consequence that would mean something to her. And in that moment, two things came to mind:
(1) The first, was that famous statement parents make that is the title of this post. I didn't say it but I felt it.
(2) The second, was that the reason it was hurting me to take something away from my daughter that was so precious to her, was that it's in the very nature of a father to want to give good gifts to his children rather than to take them away. To do so, felt very counter-intuitive. That's when I was reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:11 - "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
1 comment:
I heard "this hurts me more than it hurts you" from my dad way too much! but i think i turned out okay.... :)
Post a Comment