Infamous

When my children were young there were several things that I was known for with all their friends. First, if your car blocked the driveway and you parked me in you would find your car at the top of the hill, a couple blocks away. If your car was not running right, I would fix it for you or if you wanted a new stereo installed in your car, well I was your man. I was also a bit ornery, matter of fact I was infamous for being a a joker. Children frequently describe their parents by the job or careers they have, their hobbies, and the types of activities they enjoy, such as reading, gardening, or cooking. Children describe their parents beliefs about right and wrong, based on the rules they are given. They describe their parents, using adjectives like "funny," "strict," "kind," "generous," or "helpful". In essence, their descriptions of their parents is a snapshot of how they perceive their parents characteristics, actions, personality, beliefs, and values. What would your children say your infamous for? 

Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

I will be the first to tell you that when I was raising my kids, they were more likely to find me in the garage working on my race car than they were to find me with my bible studying God's word. As parents, we bear the responsibility of being a good example for our children. Our words and actions shape their understanding of God. Just as we are encouraged to learn from God's Word and apply it to our lives, we should also teach our children to do the same. There is a delicate balance between parental authority and ultimate obedience. The most successful parents have the wisdom to guide their children, not just through rules, but through the example of their lives. In Ephesians the bible tells us that Fathers and mothers, should not provoke their children to anger, but teach them discipline and instruction of the Lord. This verse encourages parents to discipline and instruct their children with love and guidance, not anger. I was blessed with two parents that kept God at the center of their lives. No matter what foolishness I had done on Saturday evening, I knew that my parents would be dragging me out of bed to go to Sunday school and church the next morning!

Psalm 103:13 ESV As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 

I am confident that when my parents stand before God they will receive a crown so full of jewels it will be hard for them hold their heads up. I know this because as a teenager if my parents asked me to do something I would intentionally do the opposite and yet the kept their composure. My parents showed me compassion and love when I deserved the opposite. I am sure there were moments when my parent questioned my sanity and prayed to God and asked Him what they did to deserve such treatment! My parents and my grandparents of both my mother and father's family were infamous for attending church nearly every time the doors were open and that trait was also demonstrated in their lives Monday through Saturday. Children will use words and phrases that they have seen and heard their parents say. I received a call from my daughter when she was in college one day and she said I can't believe it but I have become my father. I asked her what she meant and she told me that she had just told her room mate, were your born in a barn? Close the door and shut off the light, a phrase I had said to her many times when she was a child. Some of my most vivid childhood memories are was reciting the Lords prayer before a meal at a family reunion and receiving a bible as a Christmas gift. I still