Wisdom or Heart?
Using wisdom in raising our children is every parents ideal- but where does the heart take over?
Is tough parenting called for at times- regardless of what the heart might say?
I know someone who is in a difficault parenting position right now.
One of her children was arrested ( I won’t say what for, but I will say it seems to be slightly manipulated charges), and she is struggling with whether or not to bail him out, or let him sit there for a few days- hopefully to think about his actions and cool down.
Her heart tells her that she needs to get him out as soon as possible; and the advice from those around her (wisdom) says let him sit. Not too long though, just long enough to let him stew over his mistakes.
As a mom, I can sympathize with the heart. As a parent wanting to raise children to respect others, and live a life that is upright in God’s eyes, I can understand the wisdom of letting him sit.
If only we could have a concept of the consequences from either decision- but that only comes with hindsight.
Here is where prayer comes in.
Praying for the peace and understanding to do what is right in God’s eyes is key. If we get His leading and His peace- we will be less apt to act on emotion or hardness. Instead we will be acting in love and peace.
I will pray for this family. When kids (even adult kids) get into trouble, they need love and support, without us condoning the behavior.
God’s heart on the matter is what I will pray for.
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
[...] and Tough Love by Sandra Williams I was reading Jean’s wisdom or heart post the other day and it got me thinking. She was pondering whether a mother should listen to her [...]