I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day...

I read a report recently suggesting that a child's desire to "want" things may not be as bad as society believes it to be.  The study revealed that when most young children expressed wanting something (i.e. a new toy, game, bike, etc...) many times, the underlying reason was to simply spend more time with a parent. So consider that the next time your child is saying, "I want, I want, I want..."  Maybe what they're really saying is, "I see this as a way to spend time with you." And while it's not healthy to give a child everything he or she wants, it's hard for a caring parent to go wrong by being too involved in his or her child's life.  So, the next time you find yourself in a store with your child "wanting" something, Try this:  Offer them the option to either A) Have the toy or B) go to the park and play with you or feed the ducks (and a possible stop for some ice-cream) 

You might be surprised by their answer. :) 

I think the poem by Edgar Guest below really ties into the discussion above as well as the importance of setting an example of love and successful living for our children and not simply using words and "preaching" how to live right.  I keep a copy of this poem and read it almost every other day to remember that Allie is being taught more by what I do than what I say... 

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear,

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see good put into action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;

I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.

When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind

Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me

To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.

And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today

Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many; men believe what they behold;

One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,

For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

     Edgar A. Guest

Food, College Football, and Cars...

Being Southern, we're always finding a way to relate most of life to about three things:  Food, College Football, and Cars… 

Consider the story below…

Your car has hundreds of parts that move and hundreds of parts that don’t move.  If you choose to, you could individually check, replace, maintain and clean every single part of your car all day long and never use your car to go anywhere.  When someone calls, you’re excuse is, “I’m too busy __________ my car.”, “I would but I’ve got too much __________ going on with my car.”, “If only I didn’t have to __________ my car, I would help you…”

 You die. 

God’s first question is, “How did you use your car and where did you go with it?”  You regrettably answer, “Nowhere.  I spent all of my time focused on maintaining the parts but never actually used it.”  God sighs and then responds, “My child, I had so many good things waiting for you if you would have just used your car to obtain those good things.  And even though the road may have had a few rough spots – even though you may have experienced some breakdowns while using your car – even though the storms of life may have forced you to pull over and ask for my guidance - even though your car may have not been spotless or impressed everybody you met; those “good things” I had waiting for you would have made your journey so much more enjoyable.  I gave you a car to use and enjoy, it wasn’t given to you as a curse or burden…”         

Let’s look at the story again.  Your “life” has hundreds of parts that move and hundreds of parts that don’t move….  Get my drift? 

Now go back and read the story again and replace the word “car” with the word “life”.   

Are you using your life or just maintaining it?