POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

When we look into the face of a newborn, all we see is sweetness and innocence. The angelic countenance of an infant could not possibly be imperfect in any way. As they grow into toddlers, we wonder who replaced our darling child with the corrupted little imp we now see before us. That dear child was born with a sinful nature, just like the rest us. They don’t have to be taught to be disrespectful. No one shows them how to raise the roof to get attention. Their ability to show their bad sides is inborn. 

We, as parents, need to teach our children to love and care for others. They must learn how to look up to those who know more than they do. Kids as well as adults need direction in their lives. We need boundaries and limits. We need rules. We need guidance.  God knew that when He established the Ten Commandments.  The first three of them are in regard to our relationship with God and the rest have to do with how we relate with others.

In modern times, we have all but forgotten those commands.  We might look at them as suggestions for how to live, but not really necessary.  We have become accustomed to adjusting the rules to fit our own needs.  The world is not perfect, and we need God and His Holy Word to guide our lives. So do our children. We can teach our kids to respect others, but if we don’t become an example, they will soon see right through it.  We can teach our children manners, but if we aren’t polite or kind, we become hypocrites in our behavior.  Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.  They usually follow their parents’ example. Their set of rules for living can quickly be altered by the world.  The job of a parent is not to be a friend, but a leader – an example – and one who loves enough to discipline.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4.

Our innocence was lost when man sinned against God, but it was regained when He sent His only begotten Son to take on the load of sin – suffer humiliation and abuse – die on a cross – rise again from death to show us that life doesn’t end when we breathe our last. About ten years ago, I wrote the following poem which deals with the power of God working in our children through our parenting of them.

INNOCENCE

Our lives begin in innocence, we are too young to know.
But even in those fledgling years, we choose the way we go.
Our minds are bright our will is strong.
We think we know what’s right and wrong.
Our very hearts grow black with sin, our souls drift to and fro.

We can’t escape the grip of sin. It grows within our heart.
It’s like a cancer moving in and tearing souls apart.
There’s not a thing that we can do.
Our fate is sealed, our death is too.
Our path is filled with darkness, we have no place to start.

Our God showed love omnipotent. He sent His own dear Son.
To pay the price for my misdeeds – salvation He has won.
There’s not a word that I can say,
For burdens lifted every day.
My soul was purchased with His blood, the work has all been done.

How can I thank you, my dear Lord, for everything you gave,
So, I will too in heaven live. My soul from sin is saved.
I give my heart and soul to you.
There’s nothing else for me to do.
I’ll praise your name forevermore – my sin is washed away.