Discipline

I found much to “chew on” in the 22^nd chapter of Proverbs.  The chapter focuses upon many facets of a persons character which challenged me.  I found it an interesting activity to evaluate my own life against those 29 verses and have to admit that I did not feel that I came up to standard with a number of them.  One more project for me to be working on!

The importance of training our children was clear; “Direct your children onto the right path.  And when they are older, they will not leave it.”  (vs.6)  As I was thinking of the many possible definitions of “right path I suspect that this likely would include taking in to account their interests and abilities, which is not the first thing that I would usually think of.  It is often easy for us parents to have a plan for our children and try to fit them into that plan without considering all factors.  It was also obvious that discipline does not include just corrective discussion.  Verse 15 says; “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.”  That reminded me of Proverbs 13:24; “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.  Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.”

As I pondered the verses I was reminded that as a child of God, I too am subject to the discipline of my loving Heavenly Father.  That is something that is difficult to accept at my age, but still true.  It is much more appealing to focus on the blessings and benefits of being a child of God without accepting the fact that as a child, I am still in line to be disciplined when my heart may also be filled with “foolishness.”  Yes, I was challenged!

Tomorrow I plan to leave early in the morning to spend a few days at our lake house.  I am eager to catch up with the family living in that area and also check out the new heating and air conditioning system that has been installed.  It was not functioning well during my last visit so that problem should now be corrected.

I trust that each of you is having a blessed week!

Love to you all,

Chuck