My Parents Were Preparing Their ‘Kite’ for Flight
I remember it well. I was in first or second grade, and the reason I cannot recall exactly was because I had the same teacher in both grades. She taught half a class of first graders and half a class of second graders so moving from first grade to second was simple – one aisle over and one seat down. I loved Mrs. Kester, so it pleased me to have her for two straight years.
What I did not love, however, was the cursive note she wrote home to my parents. Naturally, I could not read it. It said something like, “Are you sending coins to school each day for Mary Jean to buy candy at the candy store?” Bouncing joyfully off the bus that day and knowing that a Twinkie awaited me, I gave the note to my mother. I had NO idea what was in store. Soon after she read it, my fate was sealed. After dinner that night, my parents sat me down for a bit of truth telling. The interrogation began.
“Mary Jean, have you been buying candy at the school store?” she asked. “Yes,” I answered, even
though she already knew the answer. What she did not know was where I was getting the money, so
that was the next question, and it was my dad’s turn. (They had acquired these skills from my second oldest brother who gave them plenty of practice). I replied that I had gotten it from atop my oldest brother’s dresser where he always put his coins upon emptying his pockets. Soon Roger entered the conversation with disbelief on his countenance. He had no idea the thief in the night was his ten-year-younger, little sister. He adored me, and I idolized him. It was a heartbreaking moment. I soon realized that the candy I enjoyed was not worth the disappointment I had created in my parents, in my brother, and in myself. I confessed my sin and apologized with sincere remorse. I am quite sure I recall tears.
An apology to Mrs. Kester was also in order because I had lied when she asked me about the money. My thievery had necessitated my lying. One follows the other, usually, and I quickly learned that lesson experientially. I was remorseful not because I got caught, but because I had disappointed those I loved most. Looking back, it still pains me. I am grateful that my parents dealt with my deceit in such an exemplary manner: immediately, calmly, firmly, and in a manner appropriate for the crime of stealing pennies and nickels and lying about it. I do not think I had other consequences except zero candy for a long time and the requirement of making heartfelt apologies - apologies that brought sorrow to my already aching heart. Not understanding it at the time, my parents saw what they were desiring to see -my repentant heart and sorrow for sin.
Looking back, I am thankful for a teacher who took the time to write a note to my parents, caring
enough about me to inquire of them. She knew my parents well enough to know they would not have given me coins every day for candy. I am thankful I was caught. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” I am thankful for parents who did the difficult things to parent well their five children, and who made time to teach us right from wrong, among many other things. Do you pray that if your child sins, that he or she will get caught? I prayed that for my own.
“Kids are much like kites. That is, they struggle to become airborne yet need the stability of the string. Though separation is painful, God designed your role as a parent to prepare ‘your kite’ for flight. As the fragile frame dives repeatedly, do not be emotionally torn by the changing winds. Keep running with your child, releasing more string into the Lord’s sovereign hands.” - June Hunt.
Do not be surprised when your little or medium-sized ‘kite’ takes a few nose dives. After all, didn’t you?
If you would like to reach out to Jeannie, you may email her at jbrostrand@redeemerdayschool.org.