Sometimes I think I am so lacking in compassion as a parent. Honestly, I can get so caught up in trying to prepare my kids for the "real world" and produce the "right kind of kids", I forget to just be a loving person.
Not long ago I was in the back yard putzing as I do. My son was hanging out with a friend. The two of them were laughing and just being kids. My son was sitting on the back of this metal bench with his feet on the seat when all of the sudden it became top heavy and fell backwards. I saw what was happening but was too far away to get to him to prevent the fall. He tumbled back and nearly cracked his head on a brick retaining wall.
My first thought was to ask him why he was sitting up there. I mean, come on, didn't he know better than that.
Fortunately, I kept silent. I looked at his face and saw the hurt in his eyes. His lip began to quiver as he fought back tears so as not to appear weak in front of his girl friend. He rubbed his elbow and his arm in obvious pain. Instead of saying anything I simply tried to comfort him. I rubbed his head to try and take the pain away.
Thankfully, in the moment I took to be silent, I heard God's voice say, "He doesn't need a lesson right now, he needs a hug."
This is great! I went from laughing out loud thinking of you putzing in the yard (Grandpa Behm!) to tears (good tears) because you are such a smart and understanding man.
ReplyDeleteEvery day I can't wait to see what you've come up with next!