Instructions

Parents, have you ever had one of those moments where you tell your child something they don’t want to hear and they go sulking off to their room, or am I the only one?

That happened to me the other morning as my oldest came out of his room, laid down on the couch and pulled a blanket over himself. When I came out, I said good morning, gave him a hug and asked if he did his chores yet. He said, “nooooo” in that tired, do-I-have-to-like voice. When he began stomping his feet on his way back to his room and asked, “Why do I have to?” I took the moment.

I told him that I am required by God’s standards to raise him into a competent, loving adult. I told him that I love him very much… even when he doesn’t think so. I explained how mom and dad don’t often want to do the things that God requires of us, but we do them anyway because we know He is giving us those things for our benefit.

I continued by illustrating all the times he did his morning chores on his own, without being asked and how I high-fived him, hugged him and appreciated him when he did. I also reminded him of the times like this one when he didn’t. I asked what happens when he doesn’t listen and he said “this.”

After that, I asked which he preferred and he stood up tall and proud and replied hugs and high fives with that big seven year old smile. I agreed that I preferred hugs and high fives to. I helped him understand that I love him no matter what. But it’s all up to him if he receives a reward or a consequence.

It isn’t any different in adulthood, is it? If we spend more than we save, we go bankrupt. If we eat more than we utilize, we become overweight. But when we follow simple rules of living, the rewards are great. Save more than you spend and your bank account grows. Eat less than we utilize and we lose weight. We have to remember that our hearts, brains, and bodies don’t take a day off. We have to always be making the right decision to be well for as long as we want to be well. Our advice is given to help you get where you are going and we expect that you would follow our advice. When that advice is for three adjustments per week that is what you need to receive the goals that you want. Regardless what advice or instructions are given, it is done from a place of love and for your benefit.

It’s up to you if you receive the reward of a lifetime of health happiness and wellbeing or the instant gratification of temporary relief or the do-it-yourself pitfalls. We love you regardless