“Who left this game out?” – a really harmless question seeking who needs correction with a few words, direction and perhaps a little sternness for the one who was guilty.
“Chirp, Chirp” go the crickets.
Silence…3 little boys stare at me not saying a word. Then one of them states, “I got it out, but so and so wanted to play with it” Then so and so states “Nu-uh, you didn’t say that”.
Ok, at this point it’s pretty clear who the guilty party is. However, the stern side of me really wants a confession from the guilty party…It’s still not to the point of punishment as long as the correct attitude and heart is there…Defcon 2
“Chirp, Chirp” go the crickets.
More silence. When I discussed my flaws in previous postings I am not sure I made clear how “Firm” I am with discipline and obedience. I also want to raise MEN..not boys. Even though they are 4, 6 and 7 I feel this is an EXTREMELY valuable time to stress how a man takes responsibility for his actions. Even if there is the prospect of punishment, the ability to step up and face the consequences of his actions is a very basic step to manhood. This is essential and no time is to early to understand honor, valor and truth.
“Chirp, Chirp” go the crickets.
So the awkwardness of 3 little boys looking at each other waiting for the guilty boy to step up and be a man is suddenly broken by the oldest of the 3 saying, “So and So was….” I interrupt as another “Manhood” lesson avails itself. “You don’t betray your brothers and sisters” I bark out…
“Every kid in the house needs to come right here”… Obviously, I have escalated to Defcon 3. I need to be absolutely sure that who I think is guilty is indeed the guilty person.
Kids bust out of the woodwork and enter my office…I stare at the game and say very boldly, “Who left this game here?”
“Chirp, Chirp”
At this point, I am in disbelief. I can not believe nobody is stepping up to own this. What started out as a simple question has now launched to DEFCON 5 (forget Defcon 4). The keys are ready to be turned and nuclear missles launched. How did it get to this. Where have I messed up in the raising of these little ones that the guilty party would rather everyone be in trouble than admit his fault.
I know who did it, but everyone had to face the consequence…yes, a very Draconian and military tactic. However, there has still not been a word from the guilty little boy. So what do I do next? I am praying about this and it is primarily on my thoughts since it’s happened. It’s unresolved. Lessons aren’t learned, things haven’t been said that need to be. I need those words. I don’t have them.
This story isn’t finished yet…. I’ll keep you updated with what happens.
2 comments:
Did a review on that so called Star Wars!!!!:P
We just read "Wisdom and the Millers", and it had a lesson that dealt with that very thing. If you have access to that book, I believe it was #23. If not, it's a good one that teaches from the book of Proverbs. :)
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