Day Two Hundred Fifty-Six “Gladness or Heaviness”

            Allow me to present to you two opposing homeschooling scenarios.  Scene one: the child reluctantly stumbles out of bed, but resists all attempts to get dressed, fed, or organized by the designated start time; the day melds into a constant battle to force concentration, to complete projects, and finish daily assignments; the evening is filled with prodding said student through homework and studying; bed; repeat process. As a parent, how do you feel by day’s end?  Scene two: child awakens to alarm clock and is dressed, fed, and at his desk with ample time to spare; assignments are completed independently; projects are done in advance; study and homework are accomplished early in the evening allowing time for play and relaxation; bed; repeat process.  The net result is the same, schoolwork is wrapped up for another day, but now how do you feel as a parent?  I have personally experienced both scenarios numerous times and I can attest to the fact that scene two brings a parent much more gladness, joy, and downright giddiness.

            Solomon, that wisdom-filled king, offers timeless teaching for everyday living in the Book of Proverbs, godly counsel for virtually every human relationship and situation.  He makes this observation concerning two diametrically opposed sons and the relationship they have with their parents: “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is a heaviness to his mother.”  A wise son obeys the father willingly, he “heareth his father’s instruction,” and responds with uncoerced obedience, absent of any threat or force.

            In contrast, the foolish son in a heaviness, a burden, a son whose obedience, if it does occur, is under compulsion, performed in a reluctant or resentful manner.  Any compliance is gained involuntarily, obstinately, grudgingly.  The foolish son may ultimately submit, but even if he does, the parent’s heart is not filled with pleasure.

            I ponder this verse often in my relationship with my heavenly Father.  First and foremost, do I obey at all?  And if I do submit myself to His Lordship, with what attitude?  Do I make my Father glad, does His heart overflow because His child is following His direction willingly, or does He have to beat me into submission with the rod of chastisement to force my compliance?  I have experienced both as a parent, and sadly, I have performed both as a child of the King.  May I strive daily to be that wise child who “maketh a glad father.”

Proverbs 15:20  A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Lord, I not only want to be an obedient child, but also a child who brings You much joy. Help me to grow in that submissive spirit, a wise child that makes for a glad Father.

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