CJ learned long ago how to say, "Why?"
It's a question he has repeated countless times since then.
There are the "why's" about everyday life...
"Why it cold outside?"
"Why it snowing?"
"Why Daddy go to work?"
"Why Annabelle barking?"
"Why it not time to go ni-night yet?"
"Why it spicy?"
Then there are the "why's" that follow our requests for him to do something...accompanied by that never-ending debate of "Is he really curious this time, or is he just stalling again?"
"CJ, go pick up your toys."
"CJ, keep the bathroom door closed so Moses doesn't get into the toilet."
"CJ, don't tease Moses."
"CJ, you need to be quieter now."
"CJ, obey right away without arguing."
"CJ, stop asking 'why.'"
"Why?"
Then there are the questions about what I'm doing, followed by another "why"...
"Mommy, whatcha doin'?"
"Folding laundry."
"Washing dishes."
"Making your bed."
"Getting your clothes out."
"Making supper."
"Why?"
For this last set of "why's," I've found myself skipping over the explanations of the importance of clean clothes, a neat home, and healthy food. I've started giving him the pat answer of "Because I love you."
That answer, given so many times without really thinking about it, finally started convicting me. Is that really why I do what I do?
Is that why I try to keep the house from looking like a tornado went through it?
Is that why I try not to let the laundry pile high in every corner of the house?
Is that why I try to keep good food stocked in the pantry, and good meals on the table?
Maybe I should ask that little question, "why," a little more often myself.
Why do I do what I do?
One "why" that really convicted me recently is,
"Why do I try to be a good mom? Why do I try to do a good job disciplining and training my kids?"
Proverbs 29:17 says, "Discipline (correct) your son, and he will give you rest (peace, comfort); he will give delight to your heart."
Yes, well-trained and well-disciplined children are a delight to be around; clear and firm instruction backed up by consistent and calm discipline can turn a chaotic home into a peaceful one.
But is that really why I want to do a good job training my kids? So my life will be easier?
Proverbs 29:15 says, "The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
Yes, undisciplined children bring shame.
But is that really why I want to do a good job disciplining my children? So I won't be embarrassed by them?
Deuteronomy 5:16 says, "Honor your father and mother...that it may go well with you..."
Children that are taught to honor authority, according to principle, will have things go better for them.
Authority and obedience are foundational in almost every relationship...
Parents and children.
Teachers and pupils.
Employers and employees.
Husbands and wives.
Government and citizens.
GOD and MAN.
The first interaction that children have with authority is with the authority of their parents; if they are taught to obey--thoroughly, cheerfully, diligently, respectfully--early in life, they are given a "head start" in having "success," so to speak, in almost every other relationship they will have in life...especially, and most importantly, the last one on the list above.
So...do I want to be a good mom...so my life will be easier? So I won't be embarrassed by unruly kids?
Or because I desperately love my kids, and want them to enjoy the benefits of obedience and submission, and want them to be prepared for the challenges ahead of them in life?
James 5:19-20 adds to these thoughts, "My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his ways will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
"Cover a multitude of sins"...
In disciplining and training my kids, am I not helping to prevent a multitude of sins, along with the guilt and heartache that always follow disobedience?
Maybe I need to be a little more like CJ...
Maybe I need to ask myself a little more often...
"Mommy, whatcha doin'?........Why?"
