Kid's Economics

As frustrating as parenting can be at times, I can't help but be grateful for God's sense of humor, that makes us for the most part, look at this time on our lives and lovingly refer to is as "the joys of parenting."

How is it, negotiations between a parent and adult take on a whole new form compared to the conference room or bull pen.

Whatever it was my 4-year old wanted, she offered hugs in exchange. Bribery works well.

And either before or after that instance, was another moment... one that nearly caused my wife to fall of the couch in laughter.

"If you don't get my cookie, I don't get you anything for Christmas!"

Oh the joyful sounds of the season. Christmas is around the corner. If you think you should get that, you had better straighten up.

If only such negotiations worked amongst adults. Yet in adulthood, circumstance and distinctions are made that make our actions, words, and attitudes seem rational and justifiable by comparison. Yet, as we teach our kids, similar things are dismissed as we try to instill in the them, the basic, bottom line of "doing the right thing".

Then of course, we live in a day and time where people keep moving the lines. We removed absolutes, and redefined morality; told God where He can and can't be discussed. Right, wrong, justified, reasonable and when I'm an adult not living at home.

No wonder living and engaging society has become a challenge. We keep our distance safe, our words few and our commentary on life politically correct.

I'm not for kumbaya, but we have lost the simplicity of childhood relationships, attitudes and actions. Be nice to all people, even when they aren't towards you. Be kind. Be loving. Be a friend.

And don't forget, offering a hug may be a strong negotiating strategy than you remember.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, for God to do the miraculous as we live in difficult and tense times. Pray for relationships that need healing and restoration; for attitudes that are out of alignment with who are; for words that don't glorify you. Pray forgiveness for the hatred and bitterness that we have allowed to enter our hearts and minds through circumstances not working out how we would desire or hope. May we not overthink Christianity with our minds, but seek Him will all of our hearts.

To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
To love our neighbor as ourselves.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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