after a weekend of company, the pets needed attention. Oliver the fish needed his water changed. Fresh lake water was desired by Lenny the tiny painted turtle. The five week old kittens are still living in the garage with their mother. The sand box required emptying and new sand put in. Filling the food and water dishes, along with a quick sweep up around the cat house concluded the cat care for the day. Lastly, the hummingbird’s feeder was running low, more homemade nectar was needed.
After caring for all these fine animal’s food and shelter needs I
felt content. Now, for a couple of days a quick check on their food supply will be all that is needed. The kittens might steal a little more time by being so adorable. A few strokes on their back and a sweet toned “awe, you’re so cute’ and on I’ll go.
As I wrapped up this marathon of pet care, it struck me how some
people say “training” children sounds like you are caring for pets. What I did for those animals today was meet their physical needs. If all I do for my children is meet their physical needs, then I am caring for pets. But child care and pet care are very different.
I have never gotten on my knees and begged God for wisdom regarding any of these above named animals. It is easy to see what they need and give it to them. No sleep is lost seeking guidance for their futures.
Children are not pets; they are gifts from the Lord. Much time is
required to prepare these little ones to live practically and reverently. Although food and shelter are important, they are less important than the heart of a child. We thank the Lord every day for providing for our needs, yet, it is our child’s heart that is of utmost importance to us.
Just because the term “training” may be used to describe getting
a dog to “shake hands”, it is pure performance.
When “training” a child, it is the passing on of wisdom. Although
one element of “training” a child may include “shaking hands”, it is to show respect to another and share love, not just to perform a trick.
Proverbs 22: 17-19 describes a parent’s desire to reach a child’s
heart. “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply
your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.”