A Weekly Devotional from the
South Green Street Church of Christ

Creating memories for our children that will bring a smile to their face, chase away their sadness, sustain them in their loneliness, and last a lifetime is just as important as teaching our children virtues such as politeness, etiquette, and good manners.

As parents, we tend to steer our children clear of mud puddles; bring them in-doors when it's raining; tell them to sit up straight and not slump; and grill them as to whether they remembered to say "thank you" to someone who had shown some kindness to them.

While I in no way wish to minimize the importance of these virtues (after all, I too am a parent, and I understand the importance of these virtues).  But are those the memories you want to leave your children?  Where's the fun?  Where's the laughter?  Where's the joy and silliness?  Let your children walk through puddle or two without a rebuke. Let your children play in the rain some day.  And if you really want to create a memory, go splash through the puddle with them, and play in the rain too!  It will cost you a change of clothes and a half hour of your time, but will create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Some of my fondest memories of growing up involve laughter and fun.  Again, I'm not attempting to discredit the discipline needed to mold our little boys and girls into grown men and women of character.  I'm just calling for balance. 

When it's time for us to leave this world, may our children and grandchildren have memories that will cause them to spontaneously smile through the day as they call to mind memories of joy, laughter, and silliness.

Friends, sometimes acting foolish and being wise are the very same thing.  Give it some thought.