Children are great, aren’t they! Just the other day, I was talking to my wife and explaining to her how I had disagreed with some decisions made in a recent meeting.
Ministry staff meet in India
It had bothered me greatly; I felt it was hard to justify the direction the group had decided to pursue. Diverting from our core purpose was not an option in my opinion.
As I explained the meeting to my wife, providing more detail about how the meeting transpired, I noticed that my oldest daughter was eavesdropping. Thinking this would be a great lesson for her to learn, I decided to include her in the conversation.
I asked her if she understood what we talking about, and she replied, “Yes.” As I continued to explain my discord regarding the meeting, my wife continued to ask more questions.
But before I could respond to my wife’s last question, my daughter quickly interjected, “Daddy, it sounds like you are complaining.” I was shocked to say the least. I realized I was venting about all the issues from the meeting just because I didn’t agree with them.
WOW! Children are great, aren’t they? My daughter called it exactly as she saw it, and she was spot on.
There was no doubt that I was ultimately complaining about the entire situation. I was not offering any solutions, and my attitude was definitely not one I was proud of, especially in front my daughter.
Sometimes the lessons we set for those we love are the very lessons the Lord has set for us to learn from. Are we listening?
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. — Ephesians 4:29, ESV
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that our attitudes, words, and actions will be loyal to You. In all situations, may our lives continue to edify and bring glory and honor to Your name.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Baker works as Compassion’s Associate Area Director Southeast Asia.
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