Ever Wonder if You need to be a "Mean Parent?”

Has anyone ever told you that you are mean? Have you heard children say this to their parents when the child was denied what he was sure was the greatest opportunity of a life time? I want to share this letter that was sent to me by a minister friend years ago as we were talking about the way to strengthen families. It has a good message for both kids and parents. "I had the meanest parents in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs and toast. When other kids had Cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. "My parents insisted on knowing where I was all the time. I felt like I was on a chain gang. They had to know who my friends were and what I was doing. They insisted that if I would be gone for an hour, that I be gone for an hour or less. "I'm ashamed to admit it, but they actually had the nerve to break the child labor law. They made me work. I had to help them do chores in the house and outside in the yard. You know things like make my bed and rake the leaves - all sorts of odd things. I think they'd actually lay awake nights thinking of mean things to do to me. "And when I became a teenager, it got worse. They'd make me bring my friends and dates to the door so they could meet them. Humiliating! "My friends were lucky. They got to date at the mature age of 12 and 13, but my old-fashioned parents refused to let me date until I was 16. "my mom and dad were complete failures as parents. I was never arrested, never got into fights, never talked back to a teacher, never got kicked out of school. I got along with everybody. And who do I have to thank for this terrible way I turned out? My 'mean' parents. "They made me grow into a God fearing, educated, honest adult. "Thank you, Lord, for giving me the meanest parents on earth. They saved me much heartache and pain. They saved my life." I am not sure of the author of this letter, but I agree wholeheartedly with every word. Thank You God for my mean parents and maybe some day my children will say the same.

Mid Week Prayer
Father, You are as mean as those parents we heard about. You do not give us everything that we ask for in our prayers, and You are always challenging us to do more with our lives. You call us to love one another when we ourselves feel like we are the prime candidate for the Unlovable person of the Year. Give us the grace to be mean to every child that we meet. Let us show the love and concern that will encourage them to make something of their lives and not destroy themselves. And Father, if it is necessary, let them truly become a part of our lives and grant us the strength to endure the pain and struggles of every child as they search for You this day. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week for another Mid-week Epistle.