Meditation: September 2, 2007

" They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous. " Psalm 112:4     Reflection:

What is wrong with kids today? Or is it—the adults? I subscribe to the wise old sayings that Parents are the first teachers and It takes a village to raise a child. Therefore, the questioning should be about adults—about the quality of parenting, about the helping hands of neighbors and about the charitable work of church goers.

What I remember most is having two upright parents who led four bright but rambunctious children by God’s law. As a result, we were raised in the church, required to memorize the Ten Commandments, and reared to fear the Lord.

What I also remember is a neighborhood network and church community that supported the many parents who were not always home to see everything. If any one of us acted up or sassed out an adult, we were not only in trouble with the neighbors, we were in trouble with our parents upon return. Chastisement always started with, “What you do in the dark will come out in the light.” There was no advantage in being sneaky because someone or something—even a little bird—would shine light on the misdeed.

I do not see enough of traditional child-raising to feel sufficiently comfortable with America’s future. When parents shirk the responsibility of being the first teacher, more kids will run the streets, lost in the dichotomy of darkness, fearless of anything and fearful of everything except the Lord. When the neighbors elect to look away because it is not their business, the business of parenting in these times will be even more complex. When churches lock their doors every day except Sunday, community service in the village will be less, and even more youth will roam freely like legions of empty souls searching for fulfillment.

Prayer: Dear God, remove the darkness of indecision; light our way to becoming active parents, mentors and advocates. Amen         

Question of
the Week: Which talent will I share with a child, a family or community in need?        

Meditation written by Bobretta Brewton of the St. John's Writing Team.