This picture reminded me of the video by Bill Cosby: "Himself". In it he describes how children changed both his wife and himself from suave, sophisticated, intelligent people into parents who could barely put a sentence together without stuttering. The other day I had a call from one of my children and the topic was "teenagers". She was exasperated and at her wits end over the situation and said she remembered us telling her that we hoped she would have children just like her... and she did!!! Frankly, I couldn't stop laughing and I wasn't much help to her, but problems like hers are just part of what it takes to be a parent. I hope she reads this passage from the book of Ephesians and it gives her some encouragement; she needs it!Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Eph 6:2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
Eph 6:3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ESV
Children, listen.... Parents understand. Simple instructions with often complicated out workings. The key here is for the Lord to be part of the equation. Sooner or later your insane situation will resolve itself. In the meantime, don't pull your hair out... remember how hard we tried with you? You will see your success about two years after the next generation comes along, so be patient. Until then you really won't go crazy, it will just seem that way.
