This Is Why...

This past weekend a tragic car accident happened in our area involving the lives of seven young people. Three died as a result of the accident, three were injured (two of them seriously), one walked away. Some of families affected we know personally, some we don't. Heartbreaking... Soul-riveting... Mind-boggling... Reality check...

We know that many people look at the way we are raising MaKayla & Mallary and wonder why we don't lighten up a little. Why we don't relax & enjoy the ride. Why we protect them the way that we do. Why we establish the boundaries that are in place. Why we don't let out the rope of freedom a little more. Why we are adamant about nurturing them in the ways of the Lord. Why we use EVERY opportunity, situation & circumstance as a means to teach, train and instruct. "Can you not just relax a little?"

The events of this past weekend is why. Choices were made and irreversible consequences are now the reality. Consequences that affect so many people.

It burdens me beyond words at how lightly some view what has happened. Yes they are upset, grieving and hurt, but have they learned anything from it. It's not a situation to just talk about, "get through" and then keep doing the same thing that caused the circumstances to begin with.

This is why we don't relax!
This is why we don't take parenting lightly!
This is why we don't view life as a playground!
This is why we don't encourage our kids to gamble with life!
It's not about fun and games...

Life is not a merry-go-round...
When you feel like riding, you hop on and, hey, when you feel like doing your own thing, you jump off.
God calls us to a life of faithfulness...
EVERY DAY...
As individuals...
As parents...

We get one chance to raise & nurture children who love God and follow hard after His will and desire for their lives. It's not something that we can wait and start teaching them when they are 15, 16, 17 years of age. The process begins when they are born and is continued throughout each and every day in which they are entrusted into our hands, hearts and homes.

It's not something where we can just expect to take them to Sunday School & Church each week and expect to see fruitful results. Abundant fruit will abound when we teach them, train them and nurture them when we sit at home, when we walk along the road, when we lie down & when we rise up. It's an every day process.

It's not something that can be learned with the concept of, "Don't do as I do, but do as I say!" Kids who love God are a bi product of parents who live what they teach. Not just in some areas of life but in all areas of life.

I revisit the events of this weekend...
my heart is sad for those who have lost someone they love...
my heart is broken for those who are hurting and grieving...
my heart is angry for the unnecessary loss of life...

I refuse to "lighten up". It simply isn't going to happen.

This is why...

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalm 127.3