When I was made aware that boys were outside, I asked the parents if they knew about them being out there. The parents were not aware, so I went outside and told the boys they needed to come in because their parents did not know where they were.
As I got caught up in the fun of the party, the boys must have
gotten permission to go back outside.
In their unsupervised state unwise choices were made. Snowballs
were being thrown and windows hit. Cats became targets and chased all over. A canoe paddle was found and used to hit hay bales we have around our cat’s shelter. These boys kicked the candles I had lined up along our sidewalk, until jars and candles were spread throughout our front yard.
Later, a friend told me it only takes one “wild child” to get the
others going.
Still, amidst all this chaos one boy made good choices.
I happened to be standing in the kitchen when a dad said to me,
“I have a feeling I should check on my son outside.” That comment peaked my interest, so I went along with him. After stepping onto our deck, the father asked for his son, the other boys said he had gone inside.
Upon finding his son, the father asked why he had come in. The boy stated that the other boys were doing things that would not be allowed at their home so he came in.
What a victory for that boy and encouragement to his parents!
The next day, I purposed to phone this mother and left a message letting her know how proud of her son I was. Later, the mom texted me and thanked me for the words of encouragement. This boy’s mother also let him listen to my message as a boost to him for making a wise choice.
“The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” Proverbs 16:21
This wise boy showed discernment and my pleasant words promoted his parent’s instruction.
As friends, let’s be sure to speak words of encouragement whenever we see something worth praising. Our taking this little step is a way of supporting what our friends are doing with their children. Pleasant words are a way we can partner with other families that are working hard to train their children in the way they should go.