2006-04-20 - 8:40 a.m.
The local news was on TV as five-year-old Kirk was playing nearby. Dad Rather than reply to an assumption, his father was smart enough to Dad was feeling Kirk's pain now. He saw the wheels turning in his Sure enough, with eyes that were sad now and with his little lip The answer Kirk's father gave him was from God. It was brilliant and "So let's pray for that lady. And for her babies. And for the Daddy who They did. And Kirk's little feet hit the floor running. His Dad had Then Kirk's father did something else. He made his personal response to Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect ---------
2006-06-21-Chaplin facing courtmarshall for praying
Ever wonder what kids pick up from the world of adults? If they are
really paying attention? Do you ever naively hope they aren't? Here is
a true story of an event handled well that a young friend shared with
me this week.
didn't think he could hear -- or cared to hear -- what was being
broadcast into their living room. His boy suddenly looked up with a
troubled expression on his face.
begin with a question. "What did you hear, son?" "The man on
television, Daddy!" he began. "He said that woman was killed in a car
wreck. Was she a Mommy?" "Yes, Kirk. That is what the man said. And
that makes both of us very sad, doesn't it? And she had two children --
a little girl about your age and a baby boy."
trusting little boy's mind. He was rather certain he knew the questions
that were forming: Could that happen to my Mommy? Or to my Daddy? And
what would I do then? Who would take care of me?
trembling, the boy asked his final question. "Daddy, who will take care
of her babies?"
should be the model more parents use with their kids. He held out his
arms to him, picked him up, and hugged him for a minute. Only then did
he say anything. "Son, your Mommy and I have taught you about Jesus and
how he loves you. And your Mommy and I love you and your brother with
all our hearts. We are here to love you and take care of you and be
with you. But there are bad things that happen in this world too. And
they remind us how much we need each other.
will take care of them now that she is gone. Okay?"
given him just what he needed. Oh, he hadn't given him an answer -- for
who can give a satisfying account of human pain and fear, evil and
loss, death and loneliness? He gave him a hug. Told him he was loved.
Made him feel safe in his tiny world.
his son's fears and his inability to keep him from ever being touched
by them. He did what God himself must do for us. As Kirk left to play,
his Dad had a good cry.
your mother's teaching. What you learn from them will crown you
with grace and clothe you with honor. (Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT)
(c) 2006 Used by permission. From Rubel Shelly's "FAX of Life"
printed each Tuesday. See Faith Matters
Life."
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