LaTorre boys = LaTattle brothers

Now and then, all of my boys come to me privately to inform me that one of the others is misbehaving. They sidle up beside me and speak to me as an equal. I am prompt to set them straight. We are not equal. I am the parent. They are a sibling and my son. I have also held tightly to the rule that the tattler is an equal rule breaker as the one they are tattling on, just because tattling is wrongly motivated. They want to see me make them suffer and have the satisfaction vengeance.

I say all that because this morning I was surprised when Donny approached me about Jordan’s issue of the day. He not only informed me but also told me to speak to him about it because he doesn’t really like to be around him lately.

 Thankfully he approached me right after my bible reading and prayer time. I didn’t think about it, I just blurted out: “I think you should pray for him rather than tell me how to parent him. And remember, don’t let someone else’s sin bother you more than your own.”

These words affected him significantly. He nodded and said you are right, and then  he left for school.

I kept thinking about my own advice to my son all day long. I was convicted by my own advice. I too can be quick to point a finger and think that someone ought to get this or that sorted out so I could be more comfortable. I am not as quick to just pray for those who bother me as I am to complain about it. And really it is easier to dwell on what other’s are doing wrong than what I’m doing that so grieves my loving God.

When he came home from school they were laughing together. Donny kissed me and said thanks for the good advice this morning. I confessed God  must have given me the words because I’m as guilty of that one as you were, and it’s worked on my heart all day long. He looked at me with an understanding. That’s how we are equal.

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