Lessons Learned

 Our newlywed house guest thought me an uncaring mother as we watched my determined toddler—despite my repeated warnings—sway back and forth in an overturned counter stool. Then the inevitable happened, she toppled over, and she cried because the fall hurt. Why did I let our child’s stubbornness continue? She had to learn the hard way: “Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Proverbs 19:18). Although she longingly glanced at the stool the rest of the evening, she didn’t go back to it. Lesson learned.

 Some life lessons are more challenging to learn than others. Leniency is granted in some situations, while others need staunch disciplinary action. Sometimes God extends mercy, and other times He is firm. Because we love our children, we discipline, regardless of the tears. God does the same. While we may make mistakes in handling situations, God doesn’t. Our heavenly Father warns, and we choose whether to heed or disregard His instructions. The danger of ignoring God’s warnings is how hard a fall we are willing to take. Lesson learned?