I am reflecting on my experience at church on Sunday. I don't consider myself strict...OK, I consider myself strict with certain things.
Like FIRE. I don't allow my children to play with matches or lighters (not that we have any).
Like CHEMICALS. I put them up high and don't allow them to play with them, or help me when I'm using them.
Like FACE CARDS ON THE PEW DURING SUNDAY SERVICES...Am I wrong on this one?
My children are restless, but quiet. I look over and see my oldest son pull out a deck of playing cards. I look dumbfounded and wonder what I should do. I look at him. 10,000 thoughts run through my mind. 'Should I beat him?' I glance around the room and notice that NO ONE else's children have face cards in the church.
I hold my hand out, asking for the cards. My son looked up at me with eyes that said, "What's wrong with playing cards in church?" I reached further, as a signal that I wanted the cards...NOW.
The delay in my son's willingness to hand me the cards caused me to think again about our future together.
He relented and I got the deck of cards. But it wasn't without a great deal of self questioning, wondering if I was, indeed, too strict.
