Privilege of Discipline

The "privilege of discipline" was a phrase I heard this morning. I took a step back and thought about this. Privilege is not what I think of when I hear the word "discipline". Punishment comes to mind. Pain comes to mind. Being made uncomfortable comes to mind. A certain feeling of fear comes to mind.

Maybe this is because I am going through physical therapy, right now, to get my new knee to work correctly. I have to bend and straighten my leg enough to cause some discomfort and pain. But if I don't, the knee will not work correctly as time goes by. I need to get the muscle memory in place to make these things become second nature. Just like the original knee. I have to admit that this is not fun. I have to admit that I would rather not have to be in the middle of this but I know it has to be done. So does the physical therapist who is the one that is insisting that I do the exercises. Just like "good parents" know that the "privilege of discipline" needs to be taught to their children. 



Let me get on my soapbox for just a moment, please....


In the society we live in, right now, a lot of our young adults do not understand the meaning of the phrase "privilege of discipline". Some how in this time in society discipline became wrong. To certain people discipline means abuse to our children. It means that they can't have everything, they want, so it has to be wrong. 

I truly believe that part of the reason there is so much violence in the world today is because of this movement. Because so many think that the work that it takes to actually better their world is not something they should have to do.  It should be just handed to them because that is the way they were raised it should be. The world, to them, is all "about me". The respect for their parents and others is not something that is part of their thought processes.

God knew and still knows that this does not do us, or our children any favors. So many scriptures speak of this but I love how the verses in Hebrews tell of this...... 


 Hebrews 12:4

The Message (MSG)

4-11 In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline,
    but don’t be crushed by it either.
It’s the child he loves that he disciplines;
    the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

Of course we should not let discipline become abuse. That is a sin in itself. But to not teach the values of what it means to be disciplined does not do any of us any favors. It does not do our world any good. It leaves our children spoiled, confused and sometimes just plain angry. You can watch the nightly news and see this for yourself. 

So yes, as I said at the beginning of this the blog, discipline is not always fun but for the peace of this world, our families, and ourselves it has to be done!!! 

Maybe God knows what He is doing with the plans He put into place for us, as His children, and for us, as parents of His children. Maybe the "privilege of discipline" is not such a scary phrase after all. 

Blessings!!!

Anxious Anticipation

Today, as I am sitting here writing this, surgery is only two days away and I am a little anxious. Now I know that there are thousands who have gone through this same surgery and have come out just fine. I know in my own heart that that is going to be the case with me, but personally I am a little scared. Not of the actual surgery part. For some reason that is only comforting to me. It means that the pain in my knee will be on it's way to being taken care of, after the healing has happened. It's the healing part that scares me.

I remember the pain when I was healing from the partial knee replacement, (that is going to be replaced with a full one). I remember the first day after the pain block in my leg had worn off. I remember just trying to get up the back steps and on into the house the day I came home from the hospital. I remember the pain of going to therapy and having the therapist make me bend my knee back to a certain point, no matter how much it hurt. I remember the pain of just trying to get to the bathroom or getting a drink of water, in my own home.

This morning as I was listening to my second favorite pastor, he was preaching on the courage of Daniel. Now I realize that Daniel's courage could have gotten him eaten by a pack of Lions, and I certainly do not have to worry about that, but there were some scriptures, he read, that gave me pause......
 

Daniel 10:18-19

The Message (MSG)

^18-19 “Then this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’
“Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me...."


As I heard these, being read,  it was almost like I could feel what Daniel must have felt. It was a wonderful reminder that God is always sending safety, comfort and peace to us if we would only let Him. If we would only listen to the small voice speaking, to let the soft hand ,touching us on the shoulder, give us comfort in the fact of knowing that we are not alone. To remember that God will bring us through anything and everything.

How about you? Are you going through some scary times in your life? Don't be like me and let fear take ahold of you. Don't sit and stew. Sit and pray. Let the soft, gentle strength of God comfort you.

Remember what happened with Daniel. It will make your, what seems like terribly huge, problems diminish and remind you of all that God can and will do. Hey, He can shut a lions mouth. He certainly will bring us through money struggles, marriage problems, rebellious children, job issues, sadness, and even pain.

I feel so much better just thinking on these things. I hope you do too!!!!

Blessings!

 

Life can be tough!

How is life today? Are you going through times of gentleness and hope or are you going through some really tough times?

Do you feel like you are running the race of life but going nowhere? 

I have so many friends like that today. Some are saddened by the actions of others, some have had surgeries and are now in the pain and recovery that just doesn't feel like it is coming fast enough. Some have husbands who are sick or dying or have already left this world. Others have extended family members who are also sick or not walking with the Lord and have them worried for their souls. Some are in financial troubles and can't understand how they got there. Some have big decisions that need to be made and just don't know what they are to do.

I could go on and on and on. This world can just beat us up. It can make us feel weak and alone and make us just want to get out of the race and sit on the side lines. I know that that is how I feel sometimes, maybe even today. 

There is comfort to be had for all of the things this world throws at us. It is the gifts the Heavenly Father has given to us. It is his Spirit, it is His Word. 

Here are some of His words from Psalm 119  that I go to when I have had enough...


God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!

Remember what you said to me, your servant— I hang on to these words for dear life! These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me. The insolent ridicule me without mercy, but I don't budge from your revelation. I watch for your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track.

With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what's true and right. Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to.

I hope that you can take comfort in these words too! God doesn't promise us that life will always be smooth. He doesn't promise us that friends won't let us down, or that our bodies won't fail us, or our finances will always be perfect. He knows that we may have to run on,uphill. rocky ground at times. But he wants us to understand that He is right there running along side of us. Sometimes even pushing from behind or carrying us over the ravines. 

Sweet friends, we are never alone. Even if this world tries to make us feel we are. We have the best cheering section a body could ever have and He wants us to make the race.

So as you are pushing over the next bump in the road of life,  be sure to remember what the scripture above said and stop for a moment to take a dance with the one who formed you, protects you, loves you and above all wants to rejuvenate you!


Blessings!