Self Defense
“Before I confessed my sins, my bones felt limp, and I groaned all day long. Psalm 32:3
Have you ever wondered if your child moonlights as a criminal defense attorney? I sure have, especially after hearing my kids’ creative excuses over the years, even when I’ve caught one of them with a hand in the proverbial cookie jar. I’ve heard some amazing defenses.
“Ryan did you hit Cara?” His older sister is holding her reddened face and crying.
“She started it,” Ryan says as he crosses his arms in defense.
“Then why is she crying?”
“We were just playing.”
I go for the kill. “Is something you did the reason she is crying? Yes or No?
Finally with no wiggle room left, Ryan caves in with a muted yes.
I’m not interested in a conviction; I want Ryan to take responsibility. I want him to confess to the mistake and own up to it more quickly the next time around. That’s why a dose of fatherly admonishment makes the exchange an uncomfortable but necessary experience for him.
I’m sure my heavenly Father stifles a laugh when he watches me disciplining my son. Talk about the blind leading the blind! But I’ve learned that what ultimately assuages my pain is the sincere act of confessing my wrongdoing to Him.
Father, Confession is good for the soul and bad for the reputation, but not with You! Thanks for loving me, sins and all.