Baskets are for Clothes

As I was washing my clothes the other day at the laundry mat; I noticed two young boys approximately between the ages of 9 to 10 years old. While they waited for their clothes to finish drying in the dryer they entertained themselves by getting in the clothes baskets that are meant for clothes, one boy would get in the basket while the other pushed. You may ask; where were the parents? The mother of these boys was sitting out in her car; only God knows what she was actually doing. I wanted to say something to the youngsters, but I chose to hold my peace. I gave them a stern look and then they began to get in and out of the basket to finally getting out of the basket altogether.

I do not mine children having fun and enjoying themselves from time to time, but there comes a time and a place where children should have fun and enjoy themselves.  In my opinion the laundry mat is not the place for such fun. On any given circumstance the mother should have been teaching the kids and leading by example how to wash clothes by having them pay attention to her washing their clothes and watching the clothes dryer to see when the clothes in the dryer would be dry, and then she should have taught her children how to fold clean clothes and then leave the laundry mat.

I see it far too many times when parents leave their clothes unattended, and then come back to the laundry mat with their children, this is a terrible example as an adult with parental responsibilities. As parents we need to remember our children not only watch what we do and say as parents; but then they will turn around and do the exact same thing we do as parents when they are grown themselves. This is why we need to be a positive influence in their lives and set a positive image for our children to follow daily. Next time you and I  are with our children whether at the laundry mat, car wash, grocery store or any other public place remember it is our responsibility as parents to always be on our good behaviors because not only are we being watched by our own children but other children and people are watching us as well.  

When was the last time you found yourself with out of control behavior? To be able to maintain good behavior is to have the fruit of self control operating in your life. When the character of self-control is being exercised this will produce good fruit where others will want to emulate and follow your positive influencing ways.    

Your child or children are an asset to you and not a liability. Look, Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of your womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. If you are struggling with your parental rights and responsibilities I encourage you to seek God, and pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to make things better.

Copyright © 2011 Clark A. Thomas