I used to relate the following on mother's day whenever I was asked to talk in church, and over the years I have thought about how my understanding of what my mother was doing changed into something very positive in my life.
In my early days, I was a wanderer and explorer in my little universe in (our town in) Wyoming. Even at the age of 4, I was a trial to my mother, because if she let me out of her sight, I would be gone!. There was plenty to see within a block of my home, and there were some interesting things to do in an old garage we had at the back of our lot.
Later I learned that things were pretty rough in the world -- we were in the midst of a depression (whatever that was), and there was a lot of suffering going on in our little town, as well as in the entire world, as I later learned.
Dad had a good job at the sugar factory -- he was the warehouse foreman and had a year round job. I never remember us going hungry, or of not having the necessities of life. Unfortunately, there were many others who were not so well off. One of my fondest memories was when dad would put me on his shoulders and take me down to the warehouse during the winter time. It was so warm there and it was just a real comfort to be with him -- but I digress from my tale.
It was early summer, and too nice to be inside, so mom let me out into the yard with an admonition not to stray away. I'm not sure what that meant, but I gave her my assurance I would stay in the yard. She told me I had to keep my word, because if I didn't, she would but a dress on me, and make me stay in the front yard so I could be seen by all who passed by.
Needless to recount all the details, but I left the yard, finally came home, mom put a dress on me, and I stayed in the front yard so all could see me who passed by. (When I told this story, some would say to me "that was cruel, or insensitive, and it might have scarred you for life!)
The truth is, and I don't think my mother knew, this punishment didn't seem to bother me at all. It only mattered that I was playing in the front yard and having a good time. Come to think of it, perhaps mom knew after all, because that was the only time I remember being punished that way.
I learned from this experience that when my mother said she would do something, she followed up and did it. I often wonder why she started with me when I was so young, and then one day while reading Proverbs 19:18, I got the answer! "Chasten thy son while there is hope".
There are two words that come to mind when I think of being taught the law of obedience, either by earthly or heavenly parents. They are "punishment" and "chastisement".
In simple terms, punishment generally means retribution and chastisement means correction. Some means of inflicting pain CAN be used in either case, but the motivation is different. When I crossed the line, my mother got exasperated, and she punished me. When she needed to teach and correct me, she chastised me (and generally there was no physical pain!) I'll take chastisement any day!
In the scriptures, Hebrew 12:6, we are taught "whom the Lord loves, he chasteneth". I found this to be true with my parents as well. "Whom thy parents love, they chasteneth" - Gospel by Jerry
Parenting is not always easy or rewarding but with the teachings of the Lord, we can do a better job in raising our children, and providing them with the security that only love can bring.
Thanks, Lord, for goodly parents who loved me, and really helped me to want to be a part of an eternal family. I truly am looking forward to being with them and my dear wife again.
I really love this. I wish I could sit down with him and listen to him talk about life. What a heritage you have. Humor and wisdom wrapped up together in a loving bundle.
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