Power of Suggestion

What words strike fear in the heart and soul and stomach of this mommy?

"Mommy, my stomach doesn't feel well."

Ah, man! Please, God, don't let it happen!

But it did. Sweet Pea has a stomach bug. I dragged her mattress into our bathroom along with the portable tv. She's been watching the 6-week mini-series of Little House on the Prairie that we recorded a couple years ago. Poor thing.

Everyone else feels fine (so far). Dad asked me how I was feeling. I said, "Well, as usual, as soon as someone throws up, I start feeling yucky." And I do. It's the idea that I might be next. So any time I go to eat something I asked myself if I really want to see it later. Gross, I know.

It's the power of suggestion that those germs are lurking, ready take their next victim, which could be me!

It's also the power of suggestion that captures many victims in other areas - especially children. Like when they hear us talk to others about certain character flaws they may be struggling with. Soon they will be caught up in these "suggestions". It's like labeling, but not to their face.

"She has a hard time with ..." or "He just doesn't get along with ..."

It may be absolutely true. But sometimes instead of addressing the issue head on and helping them overcome their sins, we just make excuses for our kids' behavior.

"Kids will be kids" and "Boys will be boys" and "She's at that age". True statements. But not good reasons to ignore disrespect, disobedience, unkindness, ungratefulness, etc.

Let your kids hear these comments and "suggestions" and they'll live up to them.

But if we remember Paul's words that love hopes all things, they don't have to be trapped. In love, hope the best out of your children. Love them, encourage them, guide them, and train them up.

Don't grow weary in doing this good, because if you don't give up, you will reap a harvest of righteousness in your children's lives and maybe in yours as well.