Did you ever think that precious newborn, who could barely wrap their entire hand around your finger, would become a soldier in the war of parents versus children? The Lord was very wise when He presented a newborn to us. It was love at first sight. But, once a toddler, the battle lines begin to form. The first warning is the roaring word NO! They have learned to confuse us. We try to set rules, but their lips start to quiver, and the big tears start rolling down their cheeks. They have tested us and often won. It simply is a matter of us trying to impose rules, but there are no real negotiations. So, out of sheer frustration, we ask our parents how they won this war, but they just smile and say it never ends. Apparently, the grandparents do not understand how different it is now. The battle continuously wages. The attacks are brilliant, and when we least expect it, we may notice something is not quite right. For instance, they may sneak your phone away and play games, charging small amounts now and again. Eventually, these small charges may amount to a few hundred dollars. It takes us a while before we realize these are not our expenditures. The first question from the adult army is, “Have you used my phone?” Faster than a lightning bolt, the word NO comes very strongly out of their mouth. Then the battle begins, only to have them finally capitulate. You ask them, “Why did you do it?” And the answer is simple, “I thought you would not notice.” But the child army keeps testing the battle lines, only now they have learned great maneuvers. They have become teenagers and cannot wait to turn 18 and become their own person – if they only knew. This is the time that the tide has to turn in your favor. By now they know how to make up a great story. For instance, a female soldier has been told they are too young to date, so her army confers and decides a story that will work. She tells her parents she is interested in going to Bible Study. You think what harm in that, but adult reconnaissance is working well, and you later find out your child has not attended classes in over a month. The war continues but is never really won. Until that day – when your child asks how you won this war. Then, we inform them that it never ends. Yes, there are times it seems hard, but it is not impossible. Prayer helps, as the Good Lord is always watching over our family. Thank you, Lord, for watching over us and giving us the strength to endure.
