(2005) I could not believe what I hearing nor what I was seeing. I was in shock, but I was the only one.
It was a hot summer Saturday afternoon on the 4th of July weekend. I was out running some errands and trying to get things done. Time was running out as my wife and I were getting ready for twin babies. She was 28 weeks along.
Thinking about being a parent was making me nervous, getting me excited and weighing me down some all at the same time. The pressure, the responsibility and the work involved. Wow. I had a lot in front of me but I felt we were both ready for the challenge.
As I walked into a convenience store to get some water I stood in line behind a mother and her son, who was between 9-10 years old. I was waiting on them because they were taking their time trying to pick the winning scratch off games, together! Yes, this mother was asking her son for help in trying to pick the “right one” and she was intense about it too.
He didn’t seem to care and casually gave her some off hand backtalk. That’s when the second shocker of the day arrived as she said, “You’re being such a butthole today!” My mouth dropped and the others around me just kind of smirked. They paid for their worthless lottery scam tickets and went on their merry way.
And we wonder why.
I got in the car and replayed what I had heard and seen all the way home. I went back and forth between wanting to chase her down and slap her, and wondering just who and what that kid would turn out to be.
Kids look to the adults in their lives as examples. Who you are to them is likely who they will aspire to be. Maybe he was being what she called him because that was the example she had given him throughout his short life. That’s a bet I’d take any day.
The problems we have with kids today are not the fault of TV, movies or video games. It’s not even the fault of musicians, stars or athletes. It falls 100 percent on the shoulders of today’s parents. Only parents can control those outside factors that impact the lives of children. Of all people, parents certainly should be the best they can be in front of them. But many aren’t and many don’t seem to care. They shirk their responsibility onto those things I mentioned above. It’s careless and frankly, immature.
You and I may not share our lottery games with our kids and I doubt any of you have ever called a child what she did, but that doesn’t mean we’re clear of all charges either.
Have you said other words in front of them, watched stupid shows while they sat there with you, or yelled at the guy in the car in front of you? I have, and that means I’m not much different than this lady. It’s just not shocking enough to make the Howard Stern show.
Whether you’re a parent, uncle, aunt, church volunteer or just a good family friend, remember, you’re another way the see Jesus.
They sure aren’t seeing Him at the local stop-n-shop.
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
© 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."
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