Train Up A Child...(Proverbs 22:6)
by Joel Hendon(756)
I was born in 1930. Knowing that is the only way I can keep up with my age. But it also means that I was just turning 10 by the end of the decade. That decade was pretty bad in a way, the depression was on in a big way. We had no money, but so what? Nobody else did either so we weren't embarrassed about it. I learned a lot that decade. Or at least a lot in comparison to what I started with...none. But the main thing that I learned was that people were good. That has kindly suffered a little since even though I still acknowledge that some are good. But, with my limited knowledge by 1940, I thought just about everybody was good. I wish I still did.
My father was a carpenter/brickmason and worked away from home a lot. My mother had her hands full trying to keep a housefull of kids straight while Daddy was away and a favorite ploy of hers with me was "What would other people think about you?" I guess it may have worked some because she used it a lot...to the degree that I grew up with a really strong desire not to do things that would make others look down their nose at me.
I suppose that made a better boy of me than I might have been. There were a lot of things that I wanted to do but didn't, because I did want people to think well of me. Of course, like most boys, I learned to do a good deal of meanness on the sly. But it was not as simple to do and it also bothered my conscience. I held a lot of respect for my Mama, and my Daddy and I always had a dread of disappointing either of them.
I see worlds of children at the present time who have no respect for their parents, or anyone else for that matter. I really hate it that things have reached the point they have. It has caused many of them to do absolutely any way they want to do because they couldn't care less what others think of them. To me, that is the worst condition anyone can possibly get themselves into. Not caring what people think of you. I still worry about it but not because I want to be mean, but simply because I might give them that impression.
I pray regularly that this nation might snap out of their lethargic condition and see what is becoming of their children. When a few brisk paddlings at an early age can make a world of difference. Not only make a difference in how the child grows up to be a good citizen, and hopefully a good Christian, but it will help stop some of the ladies in heels having to trot around through Walmart trying to corral a hyper child. It will stop a lot of bruised shins on parents, slapped faces, smeared make-up, and so on.
There is difference in self-esteem and stupid arrogance. So spank their little arrog once in a while, it'll work wonders and it is far from being "cruel and unusual" punishment. I do have to admit that it has become "unusual". Tell me...do you never look at that little one screaming and stomping and bringing scowls to all faces within view, and not even wish that it would behave??? May the Lord have mercy.
Webgazine Columnist.
Article submitted Wednesday, May 06, 2009 & read 90 times.
Leave Your Comments:
68-0-1-0-3-ADWR