LETTER FROM ROBERT
A Ditch in the Road
Dear Friends,
Recently, while at a family gathering, a family member enjoyed some time driving one of those John Deere Gators around the farm. It was loads of fun, I’m sure, until she was surprised by a ditch that appeared out of nowhere in the field where she was driving. The Gator and occupants plowed into the edge of the ditch ruining a perfectly good drive through the countryside. After a nervous trip to the hospital, a few stitches and scans, everyone was ok…or will be soon. Thanks to some cool heads and a thoughtful and loving approach to the incident, everyone got through it.
Sometimes life throws a ditch into our way. We often spend our energy trying to figure out who to blame for the ditch but in the moment of impact what is more important is how equipped we are to deal with the situation and who we can lean on in our time of need. It can be a pretty lonely experience getting out of the ditch by yourself. It can also be counterproductive if all you can do is get angry, scream, and pout. As parents we can provide some tools that our children can use to help them in such moments of crisis. What tools do you think would be most helpful?
To deal with the metaphorical ditches in life I would hope that I have given my children the following tools: faith, hope, and love first of all. Faith to remind them they are not alone and God will be with them in the midst of their struggle. Hope to see that they can get through it and that there will be a better day. Love to strengthen and guide them to do what is best. I would also hope for them to have a sense of community, a way to be present and to pay attention to greatest needs, and wisdom to make the best choices. I would also hope for stamina, a calm demeanor, and plenty of courage. I suppose a good working knowledge of first aid would be great too!
Have you ever spoken with family about what kinds of “resources” or tools they think might be helpful? And how do parents provide these for their children? I invite you to spend some time in thought, prayer, and conversation so that we can be as prepared as possible for that next ditch in the road.
To God be the Glory!
Robert
