Most of you moms and wives can probably relate to this on some level. Your husband or kids don't like a certain food so you "hide" it into your cooking. This works quite well as long as it remains "hidden."
For example I had some skim milk. Now my kids and husband don't like skim milk, but I use it in my protein shakes. I had a couple of gallons extra so was trying to figure out how to get them to drink it. I ended up pouring half of it into their 2% jug of milk. No one said anything, so each time their jug got halfway empty, I'd put more of the skim into it. Eventually of course their milk was 100% skim, and no one said ONE word about it. One morning I didn't catch the jug labeled 2% (that was actually skim) before the kids emptied it and threw it away. So my son pulls out the only remaining jug that was labeled "skim." He looked at it and looked at me and said, "Mom, how come you have skim, you know we don't drink that." I couldn't tell him that for two weeks he had been drinking skim milk without it giving away my secret. But it was amazing to me how they drank it fine, UNTIL they saw the label.
This has happened many times. There have been times my husband has complimented me on dinner, only to later look in the trash can and see the empty cartons for low fat sour cream or reduced fat condensed soup and say, "I knew something tasted different about that!"
One lesson this teaches us is the power of suggestion. By simply thinking that something was one way, they believed it was that way. Kind of like the concept with PowerBands. (see my blog entry on that) Our minds are a powerful thing and the power of suggestion can be very strong.
The second lesson we can learn is hide all your empty containers when cooking with low fat, low sodium, low sugar, low anything foods. LOL
More seriously though, we can learn how easily we can fall for the "hidden things" that are presented to us each day. Things like lies wrapped in the guise of good intentions. Satan knows we won't guzzle that watered down drink knowingly, but if he can put it in a better looking container, there is a much better chance we will "drink" it. This is where the importance of knowing God's Word for yourself lies and in having friends that will help lovingly guide and point out those hidden things in our lives. Sometimes it is hidden so well that it takes someone else pointing out the true contents to us. Is that volunteer work really pride in disguise? Does the fact that "everyone does it" make it right? Is that prayer request gossip in disguise? Is your excuse of needing some time to yourself really an excuse of wallowing in your own little pity party?
Think about this week, what things in your life might be hidden and put there in disguise, and you are unknowingly accepting it?
"Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart." Matthew 7:15 (NLT)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Talk to Me
Our daughter has been having a hard time lately. Something is going on with her and we can't quite figure it out. But she hasn't been her normal, bubbly self. She is avoiding eye contact and in general just seems unhappy. Her dad and I sat her down outside on the patio last night to talk. We talked to her a lot, she talked very little. We sat and waited, we asked questions, finally we just gave her some paper and told her if she couldn't talk to us, maybe she could write and get out whatever was bothering her.
Why do we want her to talk to us? Is it just to hear her talk? To know that something was wrong? We already knew that. So why? Because we CARE and LOVE her! Unless she tells us what is bothering her, we can't help come up with a solution or ways to help alleviate the problem.
She finally admitted that there was some stuff going on, and came over and threw her arms around my neck and cried. I cried with her. It hurts me to see my kids hurt. I just wish I could make it all go away and make life smooth and easy for them...
Today I was having a hard day. Stuffing it all inside and basically feeling miserable. And then it hit me, I was being just like my daughter. I have a heavenly Father who is patiently waiting on me to pour my heart out to Him. He won't force the issue, but waits on me to come to Him. He cares for me in the same way I care for my daughter. Does He want me to talk to Him because He doesn't already know what I'm dealing with? No, it is because He loves me and wants me to turn to Him, and not just in the bad times, but all the time.
How do I know He cares? His Word He gave us tells me:
"Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee:" 2 Kings 20:5
Why do we want her to talk to us? Is it just to hear her talk? To know that something was wrong? We already knew that. So why? Because we CARE and LOVE her! Unless she tells us what is bothering her, we can't help come up with a solution or ways to help alleviate the problem.
She finally admitted that there was some stuff going on, and came over and threw her arms around my neck and cried. I cried with her. It hurts me to see my kids hurt. I just wish I could make it all go away and make life smooth and easy for them...
Today I was having a hard day. Stuffing it all inside and basically feeling miserable. And then it hit me, I was being just like my daughter. I have a heavenly Father who is patiently waiting on me to pour my heart out to Him. He won't force the issue, but waits on me to come to Him. He cares for me in the same way I care for my daughter. Does He want me to talk to Him because He doesn't already know what I'm dealing with? No, it is because He loves me and wants me to turn to Him, and not just in the bad times, but all the time.
How do I know He cares? His Word He gave us tells me:
"Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee:" 2 Kings 20:5
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
"For the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears." Revelation 7:17 (NLT)
"He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)
How do I know God is my Father?
"So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26 (NLT)
And just as I want my children to do, what does God want me to do?
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." I Peter 5:7 (NLT)
So tonight, instead of having a pity party or trying to hide what I feel, I'm gonna run to my heavenly Father, pour my heart out to Him and ask Him to wipe my tears and take my worries.
Thank you God!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
More than Meets the Eye
I have to admit, I have been complaining some lately. I have a personal trainer that I've worked with twice a week for nearly a year now. She's been great, until January. Up until that point I had been paying her weekly, in December I signed a six month contract and started paying on that up front. That is when she started skipping sessions, either totally standing me up or texting me right before our session was supposed to start that she couldn't make it. And when she did make it, she just kind of stood there, pointed out machines to do and really was not "there" at all. This was frustrating because I can work out on machines on my own, didn't particularly care about paying someone to just stand there and watch. I wanted a change of routine, I wanted to use free weights and I needed someone to motivate me. (I see a lot of 'me, me, me' going on here)
About three weeks ago she told me she was handing me off to another trainer due to scheduling conflicts and administrative duties. That went well the past three weeks and just as I get into a good routine with him, he tells me he is going to another gym and I'm going back to my previous trainer. This whole trainer thing was starting to frustrate me but now I'm locked into a contract.
So this morning, it is raining, still getting used to "springing" forward and "losing" that hour of sleep, I text my trainer to make sure she is actually going to be there. She texts me back, yes.
We actually had a good workout and she changed it up some and was a little more back to her "you can do it!" motivating self. When we finished we sat on a mat and was talking some and she asked me did I know what happened in January. I told her no, I just know she recently took time off for administrative purposes. Turns out her husband died the first week of January. (she is younger than me) She said she had a hard time getting herself going, much less motivating people to work out.
Suddenly my whole attitude changed. Instead of being upset with her, I immediately felt so bad for her. I wished I had known. But it just reinforced the whole idea of the fact that we don't always know what is going on in the personal lives of those around us. We get snappy so easily; at that lady who has 12 things in the 10 and under lane, well maybe she has a sick kid in the car; at the person riding on our bumper, maybe they are anxiously on their way to the airport to see a loved one just returning from military service; at the person who just almost ran into your lane, who couldn't see for the tears in her eyes; and for me today, the unmotivated trainer who had just lost her husband. Maybe instead of complaining, we would do better by praying for those people around us that are irritating us. And for some of us, maybe we need to learn to open up more so that people will know what to pray for us about. Had she just told me I would have spent the last month praying for her instead of being upset with her. Not everything is how you see it, sometimes there is more than meets the eye.
About three weeks ago she told me she was handing me off to another trainer due to scheduling conflicts and administrative duties. That went well the past three weeks and just as I get into a good routine with him, he tells me he is going to another gym and I'm going back to my previous trainer. This whole trainer thing was starting to frustrate me but now I'm locked into a contract.
So this morning, it is raining, still getting used to "springing" forward and "losing" that hour of sleep, I text my trainer to make sure she is actually going to be there. She texts me back, yes.
We actually had a good workout and she changed it up some and was a little more back to her "you can do it!" motivating self. When we finished we sat on a mat and was talking some and she asked me did I know what happened in January. I told her no, I just know she recently took time off for administrative purposes. Turns out her husband died the first week of January. (she is younger than me) She said she had a hard time getting herself going, much less motivating people to work out.
Suddenly my whole attitude changed. Instead of being upset with her, I immediately felt so bad for her. I wished I had known. But it just reinforced the whole idea of the fact that we don't always know what is going on in the personal lives of those around us. We get snappy so easily; at that lady who has 12 things in the 10 and under lane, well maybe she has a sick kid in the car; at the person riding on our bumper, maybe they are anxiously on their way to the airport to see a loved one just returning from military service; at the person who just almost ran into your lane, who couldn't see for the tears in her eyes; and for me today, the unmotivated trainer who had just lost her husband. Maybe instead of complaining, we would do better by praying for those people around us that are irritating us. And for some of us, maybe we need to learn to open up more so that people will know what to pray for us about. Had she just told me I would have spent the last month praying for her instead of being upset with her. Not everything is how you see it, sometimes there is more than meets the eye.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Not Everything is Good for You
Can having a dog help you teach your son Biblical lessons? I think so!
My son was eating a pot pie the other night and it was still steaming hot. Our dog normally doesn't beg while we eat, but since he was sitting at the coffee table eating, our dog thought he'd check out the menu. My son, feeling sorry for him tossed him a chunk of chicken. Barkley caught it in his mouth and quickly spit it out. Why? Was it bad? Did it taste yucky? Did he not like it? Nope, it simply was too hot! This is something he would normally be allowed, but at the time, it wasn't good for him. It could have burnt his mouth. And even though it was hot, he kept coming back for another bite. My son thought it was funny and commented on how stupid he was to keep begging for something so hot he couldn't even eat. Finally I told him to quit giving Barkley anything until it cooled down, that as a dog he doesn't know any better. All he knows is that it tastes good and he has no concept of proper timing, of waiting on it to cool down. My son had to withhold the chicken from him. Not because we were being mean, but because we didn't want him to get burnt. Other things he would love to eat, but isn't allowed, like scrambled eggs. (who wants to sleep with a dog that poots eggs?...nasty, seriously nasty)
I told my son that is how it is with some things in life. As a teen he may see adults do certain things and be eager to try them himself, but as a young teen, the timing is not right and he may be burned in the process. There are some rules we have that will not change no matter his age, but other things as he gets older he will be allowed to do or participate in. Are we being mean? No. I doubt any of you would think I was being a responsible parent if I tossed him my truck keys and said, "go have fun." It requires timing, training and following the proper rules. Same with sex, am I being prudish by teaching him to wait? No. I simply prefer not to see him make mistakes that can change the whole course of his life. I want to protect him, protect him from diseases, unwanted pregnancy and undo heartache. Eventually he will be old enough and free to make all his own choices. But I hope he remembers that sometimes not everything we are allowed to do is what we should do.
You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But I reply, "Not everything is good for you." And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. I Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)
As for Barkley, I'm glad that he helped provide me with an illustration to teach my son with, but he is still not allowed eggs! :)
My son was eating a pot pie the other night and it was still steaming hot. Our dog normally doesn't beg while we eat, but since he was sitting at the coffee table eating, our dog thought he'd check out the menu. My son, feeling sorry for him tossed him a chunk of chicken. Barkley caught it in his mouth and quickly spit it out. Why? Was it bad? Did it taste yucky? Did he not like it? Nope, it simply was too hot! This is something he would normally be allowed, but at the time, it wasn't good for him. It could have burnt his mouth. And even though it was hot, he kept coming back for another bite. My son thought it was funny and commented on how stupid he was to keep begging for something so hot he couldn't even eat. Finally I told him to quit giving Barkley anything until it cooled down, that as a dog he doesn't know any better. All he knows is that it tastes good and he has no concept of proper timing, of waiting on it to cool down. My son had to withhold the chicken from him. Not because we were being mean, but because we didn't want him to get burnt. Other things he would love to eat, but isn't allowed, like scrambled eggs. (who wants to sleep with a dog that poots eggs?...nasty, seriously nasty)
I told my son that is how it is with some things in life. As a teen he may see adults do certain things and be eager to try them himself, but as a young teen, the timing is not right and he may be burned in the process. There are some rules we have that will not change no matter his age, but other things as he gets older he will be allowed to do or participate in. Are we being mean? No. I doubt any of you would think I was being a responsible parent if I tossed him my truck keys and said, "go have fun." It requires timing, training and following the proper rules. Same with sex, am I being prudish by teaching him to wait? No. I simply prefer not to see him make mistakes that can change the whole course of his life. I want to protect him, protect him from diseases, unwanted pregnancy and undo heartache. Eventually he will be old enough and free to make all his own choices. But I hope he remembers that sometimes not everything we are allowed to do is what we should do.
You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But I reply, "Not everything is good for you." And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. I Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)
As for Barkley, I'm glad that he helped provide me with an illustration to teach my son with, but he is still not allowed eggs! :)
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Value of Friendship
Not much is better in life than great friendships, those relationships that really mean something.
One of the greatest friendships in the Bible that comes to my mind is between Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, future King of Israel. You can read about it in I Samuel. Their bond of friendship was so strong that even though Saul wanted David dead, the friendship between Jonathan and David stayed strong. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’ ” I Samuel 20:42 (NIV)
Another incredible friendship in the Bible is between Ruth and Naomi, her mother-in-law. "See," Naomi said to her, "your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same." But Ruth replied, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!" So when Naomi saw that Ruth had made up her mind to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:15-18 (NLT)
Much was written in the book of Proverbs about friendships, here are a few of my favorites:
One morning this week I seriously debated just pulling the covers over my head and not even getting up. But I rolled over and on my nightstand is a Willow Tree Angel that a good friend (one I’ve claimed as my big sis!) gave me for Christmas. It is the “Courage” angel. And above that on my “tree” lamp I hung a plaque that a co-worker had given me for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Both were right there in my face and they reminded me that I am God’s Beloved. Great reminders that I have courage and I am special to God.
My friends have called to check on me, stayed up late on lonely nights to chat with me on facebook and gone out to eat with me. On Wednesday I had one friend go to lunch with me and greatly encourage me, reminding me that sometimes it’s the little things in life that have meaning. Then went to dinner that night with my Aunt, who also was a great encouragement. It has been the love of God in human form through the friends and family He has placed in my life. And for which I have been very thankful for.
If you have even one close friend in your life, thank God for him/her today and let them know how much they mean to you.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
One of the greatest friendships in the Bible that comes to my mind is between Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, future King of Israel. You can read about it in I Samuel. Their bond of friendship was so strong that even though Saul wanted David dead, the friendship between Jonathan and David stayed strong. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’ ” I Samuel 20:42 (NIV)
Another incredible friendship in the Bible is between Ruth and Naomi, her mother-in-law. "See," Naomi said to her, "your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same." But Ruth replied, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!" So when Naomi saw that Ruth had made up her mind to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:15-18 (NLT)
Much was written in the book of Proverbs about friendships, here are a few of my favorites:
- A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)
- There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)
- The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)
- As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
One morning this week I seriously debated just pulling the covers over my head and not even getting up. But I rolled over and on my nightstand is a Willow Tree Angel that a good friend (one I’ve claimed as my big sis!) gave me for Christmas. It is the “Courage” angel. And above that on my “tree” lamp I hung a plaque that a co-worker had given me for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Both were right there in my face and they reminded me that I am God’s Beloved. Great reminders that I have courage and I am special to God.My friends have called to check on me, stayed up late on lonely nights to chat with me on facebook and gone out to eat with me. On Wednesday I had one friend go to lunch with me and greatly encourage me, reminding me that sometimes it’s the little things in life that have meaning. Then went to dinner that night with my Aunt, who also was a great encouragement. It has been the love of God in human form through the friends and family He has placed in my life. And for which I have been very thankful for.
If you have even one close friend in your life, thank God for him/her today and let them know how much they mean to you.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What is Celebrate Recovery? Why Celebrate Recovery?
Most people who know me well, know I've been involved with Celebrate Recovery in different aspects for the past five years. From an attender, a small group facilitator, a 12-step facilitator, or in whatever capacity I can help in. What many people don't know is exactly what Celebrate Recovery is or why people go. I was talking with someone about it today and decided to write a blog about it.
What is Celebrate Recovery? Why Celebrate Recovery?
You are sitting at church, or pretty much any large gathering for that matter. Look to your right, look to your left. All around you are hurting people, hiding behind smiling faces. Stop for a moment and take about three minutes and watch the short video, Smiling Addiction.
Look at yourself. What mask are you wearing right now? Are you sitting there with a smile plastered on your face, while inside you are struggling with an issue? What are you using to mask your true self? It doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol, it could be food. For that matter, it can be just about anything. Everyone has some kind of hurt, habit or hang-up in their life.
Celebrate Recovery is a place at area churches where we can go and take off the masks and be “real.” Confidentiality is a big key to this, what you say stays there, even that you went is confidential. It is structured in such a way that you have fellowship with dinner together and then a time to worship during what is called “large group.” In those times where you may not be able to express yourself with words, the songs sung during large group can give you the means to say those words. For me, I can express much more emotion through song than any other way. Also, during this time there is either a lesson given or a testimony from someone sharing how God has changed their life, very often how it has changed through their involvement CR (Celebrate Recovery). CR operates a CHIP system as well. There are chips for time that you have spent working on your issue. And again, this is for everyone, not just the drug and alcohol group. You don’t have to tell anyone what your chip is for, it is up to you to decide what area of your life you want to work on. But the chips are great reminders to hang on to mark your progress over time. Showing up to large group is just the first step, the real work begins in "small group." It is there that the groups are broken down into specific topics and by gender. Here is finally a place just for YOU. You get to share what is going on, whether it be abuse, past issues, chemical dependence, anger issues (drive in Atlanta during rush hour and you will find out how your anger issue is!), etc. Believe it or not, only one in three people attend CR due to drugs or alcohol. Every one is dealing with some kind of hurt, habit or hang-up. Maybe you are the one that was hurt, or you could be the one that has hurt someone else. But we ALL have issues in our life that we have attempted to hide or sweep under the proverbial “rug.” After small group, there is some sort of “Café” time. This is a little bit freer time to share numbers or books or just visit with new friends that you’ve made. Once you have been in CR for a while you may choose to go even deeper with it and attend a “step group.” These are small groups dedicated to going through an in-depth series of four books that walks you through a 12-step, 8-principle process using Scripture as a guide. The step group typically takes about a year to complete.
Why share? Why Celebrate Recovery? This is a SAFE place to share. Maybe you’ve been burdened for a while but didn’t know where to turn to. Maybe you feel ashamed because you think that Christians shouldn’t be dealing with “issues.” Christians are forgiven, but still human. Here is a place you can finally be real at. For many people in CR this is the first time they’ve ever had a place to be real. And just sharing can open up the doorway to taking that first step in healing, not hiding. It has been said, “We are only as sick as our secrets.” What was the secret in your family of origin? What is your personal secret? Release it so God can take it from you and begin to heal you.
So drop that burden and those secrets you’ve been carrying and hiding and give Celebrate Recovery a try! To find a group in your area, click the icon below.
What is Celebrate Recovery? Why Celebrate Recovery?
You are sitting at church, or pretty much any large gathering for that matter. Look to your right, look to your left. All around you are hurting people, hiding behind smiling faces. Stop for a moment and take about three minutes and watch the short video, Smiling Addiction.
Look at yourself. What mask are you wearing right now? Are you sitting there with a smile plastered on your face, while inside you are struggling with an issue? What are you using to mask your true self? It doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol, it could be food. For that matter, it can be just about anything. Everyone has some kind of hurt, habit or hang-up in their life.
Celebrate Recovery is a place at area churches where we can go and take off the masks and be “real.” Confidentiality is a big key to this, what you say stays there, even that you went is confidential. It is structured in such a way that you have fellowship with dinner together and then a time to worship during what is called “large group.” In those times where you may not be able to express yourself with words, the songs sung during large group can give you the means to say those words. For me, I can express much more emotion through song than any other way. Also, during this time there is either a lesson given or a testimony from someone sharing how God has changed their life, very often how it has changed through their involvement CR (Celebrate Recovery). CR operates a CHIP system as well. There are chips for time that you have spent working on your issue. And again, this is for everyone, not just the drug and alcohol group. You don’t have to tell anyone what your chip is for, it is up to you to decide what area of your life you want to work on. But the chips are great reminders to hang on to mark your progress over time. Showing up to large group is just the first step, the real work begins in "small group." It is there that the groups are broken down into specific topics and by gender. Here is finally a place just for YOU. You get to share what is going on, whether it be abuse, past issues, chemical dependence, anger issues (drive in Atlanta during rush hour and you will find out how your anger issue is!), etc. Believe it or not, only one in three people attend CR due to drugs or alcohol. Every one is dealing with some kind of hurt, habit or hang-up. Maybe you are the one that was hurt, or you could be the one that has hurt someone else. But we ALL have issues in our life that we have attempted to hide or sweep under the proverbial “rug.” After small group, there is some sort of “Café” time. This is a little bit freer time to share numbers or books or just visit with new friends that you’ve made. Once you have been in CR for a while you may choose to go even deeper with it and attend a “step group.” These are small groups dedicated to going through an in-depth series of four books that walks you through a 12-step, 8-principle process using Scripture as a guide. The step group typically takes about a year to complete.
Why share? Why Celebrate Recovery? This is a SAFE place to share. Maybe you’ve been burdened for a while but didn’t know where to turn to. Maybe you feel ashamed because you think that Christians shouldn’t be dealing with “issues.” Christians are forgiven, but still human. Here is a place you can finally be real at. For many people in CR this is the first time they’ve ever had a place to be real. And just sharing can open up the doorway to taking that first step in healing, not hiding. It has been said, “We are only as sick as our secrets.” What was the secret in your family of origin? What is your personal secret? Release it so God can take it from you and begin to heal you.
So drop that burden and those secrets you’ve been carrying and hiding and give Celebrate Recovery a try! To find a group in your area, click the icon below.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Double Yellow Line
My daughter and I were sitting in heavy Atlanta rush hour traffic earlier this week. We had gotten off the interstate for a run through the Chick-fil-A drive thru and were about to get back on. As we sat on an overpass we watched the cars on the interstate creep below us. I looked to my left and so close that I could have reached out and touched it was another vehicle. It was facing the opposite direction. What kept us apart? That double yellow line. We were two vehicles, headed in completely opposite directions with nothing between us but paint! I looked over to my daughter and commented, all these vehicles and the only thing keeping us all from being a tangled pile of metal is rules and painted directions. Yellow lines, white lines, turn arrows, etc. I asked her if she thought it was fair that there were so many driving rules. She gave me a quizzical look and replied no. I asked her if we could break them...yes, but we might get hurt. I asked if we would be safer and happier if we watched for the lines and signals and followed them...of course. Then I told her that is what it is like to be a parent. We lay out the lines and rules. Some paths are so dangerous that we erect barriers, like the concrete ones on the interstate. But on other paths and roads, our only guidelines are the stripes of paint. We know what we are supposed to do, but nothing is preventing us from crossing that line. So for her to remember that when she thought some rules might not be fair, or how easy it would be to cross over some of the lines and boundaries we've placed. That as parents we don't make those to ruin the fun, but so that she can travel far and safe and have even more freedom. Without the lines our freedom would soon end in a mangled heap. A lesson not just for my preteen, but for me to remember as well with the guidelines God has set out in His Word, the Bible. Some of the "rules" may seem old fashioned and out-dated. But they are there for our protection, not to stop us, but to help us travel further.
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