This morning, I found deep blue ink lines all over the face of our antique leather-top coffee table. The perpetrator had gouged the leather top with the pen. The perp also admitted to writing on the furniture in spite of the rule against it. I should get that kid an easel!
The defacement highly devalued the set of four French Provincial furniture that has been in this house as long as I can remember. I caught myself yelling at Tyler out of instant anger, so I took a breath and evaluated my anger.
Why was I angry?
--The damage cannot be repaired, thus permanently devaluing the set.
--The child broke the rule.
We have rules for a reason, usually for protection, respect, or good stewardship. My children do need to learn to obey the rules. But the stuff that I'm trying to protect--is it a blessing or a burden? It requires so much of my attention and energy to protect, polish, and organize. Have I prioritized my possessions over the character development, education, or enjoyment of my children?
So, I've come up with a solution. I'm throwing out all the writing utensils.
I'm about the business of raising godly children. So far, God has blessed us with six of them! My husband owns his own business, and I'm fortunate enough to stay at home with the kiddos. If you're looking for deep philosophy on this blog, you're out of luck. If you'd prefer random tales of childhood tomfoolery, stick around!
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