Gum Lesson

Last weekend at one of the birthday parties we attended, there was gum. Our rule for Oliver, because he's  been asking for at least a year and a half, is that when he is 5 he can try gum. So when the mom of the birthday boy asked if it was ok for him to have some, Brent and I both said, "No." Of course, when the answer was given, Oliver still asked again, playing the cards to see what he could get away with. Less than two minutes after we had all given Oliver our response, Oliver was chewing with something white hanging out of his mouth. His friend had given it to him. Now this was not just gum, but huge gumballs. You know, the kind that stick out of your mouth while you are chewing and make you drool at first. So we let him try to chew it. "Just don't swallow it," we told him. He teared up and was scared. This was something new for him and everyone was staring as tears welled up, his face turned red, and the whimpering began. I quickly pulled him into the bathroom and his response after I finally got it out of his mouth was, "I just wanted to swallow it."

On our way home from the party we talked about listening to Dad and Mom. We shared with him the importance of trusting that we know what is good for him. He still shared how he just wanted to try it, blamed his friend for giving it to him, and then admitted his fears. Brent and I know this is just the beginning of learning hard lessons, but glad that we have a boy who will consider what we have to tell him.  I wish this were a lesson that Oliver could learn and never repeat, but I know it will not be the case.

At the same time, I cannot help but reflect on how often I do not listen to guidance placed in front of me and end up in difficult or embarrassing situations. Even as adults we are so rebellious to what the Lord tells us. Looking forward I pray for our family, that we will trust the plans God has for us and listen to him. He knows what is best for us! My prayer tonight is that we can learn to hear God's voice, just like I hope Oliver hears Brent's and mine. Then that we do more than just hear, but we listen to what He is asking of us, and move away from our own rebellion.

It's amazing what a piece of gum can teach us!