How Did They Behave?

When I watch your children, and you ask me how they behaved,

• Don’t expect me to tell you about every time they sinned. If God marks all of our iniquities, who of us would be able to stand?
• Don’t expect me to tell you how many times I had to ask them to sit down. I know you’re working on this, and my recounting your child’s failure isn’t going to help you or him. If you press me, I’ll tell you, but since my mind is a sieve for numbers, I won’t be able to tell you details.
• If they do something naughty, and I tell them to stop, and they listen, I’ll tell you how obedient they were. I promise to tell you if they don’t obey, but remember that I have a hard time obeying God, too.
• The little girl who won’t forget about the item I’ve put away is tenacious. Some day, she’ll be a loyal friend that doesn’t give up when things are hard.
• That little boy who is perpetually silly will some day use kind and gentle humor to be a peacemaker. I’ve seen it happen, and it is an amazing thing how this gift can be used by God.
• That sensitive child who weeps when his mommy is gone may someday weep over souls who need to be saved.
• The toddler who boldly climbs up the top of the roof may someday be walking into Juarez to share the gospel in the midst of great danger.

I remember well the adults who loved me enough to see past my childish awkwardness, who enjoyed talking with me, and who looked past my immaturity to glimpse what I might grow up to be. I want to be that adult.

If you’d like to hear what prompted this post, see the story here.