by John Thomas
So many little things play a big role in our lives. Many times we excuse little things as insignificant or unimportant to our lives, but I have to take up for the little things. You see, our society will say, "Oh it's just a little violence, or just a few cuss words, or just a little pot, or just one drink, or only on the weekends;" but a little can sure turn into a lot in a hurry. Like a little sand in the shoe, a little water in the fuel, a little dehydrated, a little sawdust in the eye, a little bit of Aids, a little bit pregnant, a little bit abusive, a little bit of missing church, a little bit of selfishness, a little of ignoring, a little bit of unconcern...all these little things become big when the journey gets long and hot!
So what does that have to do with raising kids and why would I know, after all I don't have any kids of my own? Well, here we go!
Just like one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch, the same is true for the good in folks. Take the principle of leaven for instance. A little leaven makes the whole loaf rise, and my question is this, what kind of leaven are you putting in your children's loaf? Do you expect that they will rise above the kind of leaven you've put in their loaf? I don't think so! How can you expect your children to make good decisions if they don't see you making the same good decisions? How can you expect them to come to Sunday school if you don't come? How can you expect them to refrain from alcohol if you don't? How can you expect them to be involved church if you're not? How can you expect them not to watch junk on the T.V. if you allow it in your house?
I encourage you with everything in my heart to love your children and surround them with everything that's good. Hug 'em kiss 'em and squeeze 'em and then do the hard part...pay attention to 'em. Then give them what they need, not what they want or it you think they want! That might include a few no's or a little discipline. Remember a little can go a long way.
Put good leaven in your loaf and then you'll be proud to sit back and watch it grow up! Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Remember the little things are so important!