Taming the Claire

Good Morning!

Today is Claire’s (my sister) birthday. I won’t tell you how old she is … I could get hurt if I did. With every birthday of a sibling (Bruce or Claire), I remember the struggle we went through as children … and I remember the good times we had as well.

One “sweet” memory is when Claire got caught instigating trouble. At the time we were living at 1546 Alder Court in Atlanta Georgia. Mom worked downtown and so we had to have a childcare provider. We had one of the best – Lucille Hightower. I know I have written about Lucille in the past. Anyway, Claire was always starting something and then Bruce or I would end up getting a switching for retaliating. So we are sitting on the side porch, playing and Claire begins to pick on us. She was unaware, though, that Lucille was watching the whole thing from the back porch. Well, when we had just about enough, Lucille intervened … heh, heh. Sweet justice.

One has to remember that when Lucille applied the switch to the legs or the hand to bottom, she did so because she loved us and was responsible for our care. She wasn’t Mom – but she was Mom’s representative and given full authority to take preventative measures. And she did – many times in my case – each time deserved.

God loves us. He has given us a guidebook to instruct us. He has appointed people to serve as his representatives. Sometimes we get chastened – and it isn’t pleasant. But we need to listen and to learn. Here’s what the writer of the book of Hebrews says:

Hebrews 12:5-7 (English Standard Version)
5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."
7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Isn’t it wonderful to have a God who loves us as His children and corrects us as we need it? I think so.

Have a blessed day … and happy birthday, sis.

Agape’


Mr. Jim