My response would have probably been a firm ‘No.’ However, I was not the one in position to execute the decision and so I left it up to him. I heard his voice gently speaking to them. A little later, I heard the clanking of bowls and spoons. Some, looking in on this scene, might have said that he had given in to them and that he was showing them that they could get their way when they complain loudly enough.
But I saw a loving father demonstrating God’s grace in a tangible way.
The loud complaining was a ‘But, Daddy!’ and tears – over something as simple as not being able to have a snack before bed. A request that is sometimes answered by a yes and at other times, due to the lateness or other circumstances, receives a “No, not tonight.” Yes, they responded poorly to our answer and should have been disciplined appropriately and not have been able to have a snack.
And so enters unmerited favor from their daddy. After talking with the girls and explaining that they should not have a snack becasue of their poor response, he then extends grace by forgoing punishment and allowing them to have a small snack.
This showing of grace points me to Christ and His grace that was extended to us. May their earthly daddy’s small acts of grace towards them point our little ones’ hearts and minds to their Heavenly Father as well.
For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith—and this not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
and are justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24
Hello! I came across your blog after brownsing your website. (I was looking at ideas for my own kids.) After reading a little of what you wrote on your blog, I feel like I know you! I felt compelled to write after I read what you wrote last August about the first day of public school, about the fears and doubts you may have about teaching your own kids at home. As an public school teacher myself, with 3 kids in daycare, I wanted to tell you that your website has inspired me to reconsider the decision that I face every school year – whether to raise my own kids or let someone else do it while I work. I have gone back to teaching in the public schools every year so far because of my fears – can I do a good enough job? Do I have enough patience to be with my kids all day, every day? (My boys are 4, 2, and 4 1/2 months – I’m still clinging to the idea that I can raise my kids during the few hours we have together in the evenings.)
I recently read a few parenting books by Kevin Leman, and he suggests that God gave my kids to ME, and your kids to YOU, that we are the best possible people to raise our own children. After seeing the amazing educational ideas on your website, I was even more amazed to see the doubts that you have. For what it is worth, I believe that God has given you everything you need to raise your kids, and then some! Have a blessed day :)