Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

(Proverbs 22:6 ESV)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

(Ephesians 6:4 ESV)

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

(Proverbs 29:15 ESV)

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

(Proverbs 13:24 ESV)

I have the opportunity every Thursday for the next few weeks to see kids be kids. Our library has a summer reading program. I take my great grandkids. I have the opportunity to revisit my childhood. That means playing with other kids, not having their noses in a computer game or you tube. 

Still, they don’t have the freedom I had growing up in the 60’s. I left home in the morning and knew I had to be home before the street lights came on. If mom worried about me, she never said it. Kids nowadays don’t have that freedom. It’s way too dangerous. You never know who is waiting to hurt your kids.

I do know mom prayed for my safety. She never told me she did, but I just know. Just like I pray for my grandkids safety when they do go out to play. Even though I can’t be with them all the time they are out playing, I can ask Jesus to watch over and protect them. And believe me, I do. 

And that is the key. You can’t be with them all the time, but Jesus can. Jesus will watch over the kids when we can’t be with them. Jesus loves our kids as much as we do. But it is our responsibility to teach them right from wrong. Teach them manners and respect. If we don’t then they grow up to be rude and impolite adults. The world needs you to train your children. Don’t let the world train them. Let your kids be kids as long as possible. Childhood is just a short time. Let them enjoy it and you enjoy them.

Have a great day, everyone. 

Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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