Fingerprint Friday: Lessons Learned
Friday, February 26, 2010 at 7:00AM MAD21 By MAD21
My oldest gave in to temptation this week. There was a situation at school where she saw something she wanted and in her sweet six-year-old mind thought she could lie her way into obtaining it, innocently of course. What started out as a lie of omission, turned into a lie of deception, that turned into a full-on denial of the truth.
A pink-slip followed, along with discussions, notes of apology, 20 "I will not lie" written, reasons given as to why lying of any kind is wrong, and Friday afternoon movies cancelled.
In all of the discussions, I couldn't help but think about how many times we are tempted during the day. All of us, tempted to tell that little lie "that won't matter to anyone." I think most times (at least I hope) we are able to turn away from the temptations to lie. But how often do we make things up to get out of having to do things or go places... and how often do our children hear us? How often do we justify our behaviors or choices... and the children are watching?
I think it's interesting that sometimes the way God chooses to teach us is through us teaching our children. I'm glad to have seen his fingerprint in this experience with my daughter. It's a good reminder to watch myself, and make sure I'm setting a good example.
Fellow blogger Beki at The Rusted Chain has a really great weekly post she does every Friday called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well.
Fingerprint Friday, Kids, Lessons, Lies in Fingerprint Friday
Reader Comments (6)
Sounds very painful for all of you and a great reminder that little eyes are watching us.
When I was about your daughter's age, I took a little toy to school that wasn't allowed and got caught by the teacher, who told my parents, and I lied to my mom about it with a crazy story, but of course she knew I was lying. I tried so hard to convince her and cried copious tears, to no avail. It's a horrible feeling when you know you've been caught, and I'm glad I learned early on it's not worth it.
You're so right. We have temptations all day long. Lying is such an easy thing to get caught up in. I know because I've been there. It starts small, but grows and grows and then explodes. Good for you for seeing that God may be teaching you something through your daughter. Sometimes, God's lessons are hard to see when we're not necessarily looking for them.
I think I learn most through my children...what a wonderful post you wrote. And a good reminder to us all...temptation is everywhere in all things it seems.
You're so right. Temptation is thrown at us hundreds and thousands of times a day. As I read this, I thought again how truly amazing and awe-inspiring it is that Jesus never sinned. He faced the same temptations we do every day and backed away and denied them. That's a huge thing!
Thanks Ginny.
What a great Fingerprint post! Lessons learned at a young age can help us battle our way through a lifetime of temptations.
Thank you for the great reminder. This is so true.