Vegetable Penance

©Millie McNabb

One of my daughters takes care of her friend’s little boy. My daughter is orderly and consistent in her discipline. The children in her care know that throwing food or utensils from the high chair is not tolerated, and doesn’t get them out of eating their food.

The little boy can mostly feed himself, but won’t feed himself vegetables. He will eat the vegetables without protest if my daughter feeds them to him.

The other day the little boy was in the high chair, dreamily playing with his fork. As he waved it back and forth, it slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. A look of dismay came over his face. Then he grabbed vegetables by the fistful and started cramming them into his mouth.

Sometimes we dreamily pursue our own agenda, and are brought up short when our efforts clatter to the floor. We turn again to the things that are pleasing to God. God talks to the Israelites in Isaiah 58 about going through the motions, but really living for yourself. The new year is a good time to evaluate the things we’re doing and add “vegetables” as needed.

Have you ever had a child try to “compensate” to stay out of trouble?

God bless…

Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.

Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com