This Has Me Thinking . . . . .

Ward Weaver Family,  Spring 1963

Last night I noticed the following quote on Miss Linda's blog side bar.  Where was this when I was raising my kids.  I even wonder how long it has been there.  Probably right in front of my nose, but it is such a good quote and good principle.

I read it right after Mariah and the boys left after dinner.  She has been telling us about the lesson that Becca, the munchkins mama, had given.  Becca had shared a wonderful story of how her children had felt the spirit at a very young age.  As the discussion went on, Mariah started to wonder how many times she had caused her kids to miss an opportunity to feel the spirit because she was so tired.  Don't beat yourself up Mariah, we all have times we wonder that, just go forward with the new lesson learned.  Then Miss Linda (used to teach preschool for years, hence the title) commented that we each have the right to make our own choices.  Whether right or wrong, it is our choice.  Such a wise daughter of God, she teaches us all constantly, but no pressure Linda!!  She also taught me something at the the baby shower, but still, no pressure meant here  :-O

So enjoy the following quote:

God, being all-knowing and anticipating every eventuality that would befall our children's mortal experience, carefully positioned our children into selected families to provide them the best chance of nurture, repentance and exaltation. This is a critical piece of information for parents. Despite their feelings to the contrary, a child's rebellion is not a parent's failing but rather a parent's calling.

God organizes his children into saving relationships so that the weak might be nurtured by the strong. That fact is most evident in families. God's divine positioning often calls for weak children to be placed with strong parents, strong children to be placed with weak parents, or strong individuals to marry into weak families. Why? To do the work of redemption.
Larry Barkdull ,     "Rescuing Wayward Children

Now for a little disclaimer.  I have been rereading this over and over.  It is an interesting idea to mull over as a person examines their family, current one, the one that they grew up in, the one they raised their family in and the one that is existing right now as empty nesters.

What I am seeing is roles changing as needs arise.  What does that say?  Jury is still out on this one.