Cat Scratch Fever & Consequences

Got a kitty who goes out? Get her vaccinated, as there is a growing epidemic of deadly cat fever in the country. A vet once told me every few years such a virus decimates the local feral cat population, and it is has been awhile. Although I am not fond of feral cats, I am less fond of mice. FYI.

Aha…the truth comes out. It seems History Buff was warned by the PE teacher twice to get off said goal post. His injury then falls under the category of direct consequences for disobeying authority, which in our house, is a biggee sin. Authorities in his life: parents, teachers, coaches, police are people we teach our kids to obey without question initially unless they are asked to partake in what we deem to be wrong behavior. They are allowed to appeal to said authority if they have additional information which might change the consequences,  and are allowed to ask why if the tone of the question is information seeking rather than insolence. We are there to protect him from the full force of consequences he may not yet have the life experience to see. Sometimes, tho, the kid just wants to have fun, and he is pushing the envelope.

History Buff seems to be  entering adolescence, disrespecting mom, a teacher and now his baseball coach at different times.  He has been questioning his baseball coach’s decisions (she reads here, hey A!) and was pulled out of a game because of his ‘attitude’.  It took me about two hours of tearful discussion before he would relent and own his bad. We had communion at church last week, and I told him he needed to apologize to his coach personally before he took communion. He was mortified to get up in front of everyone (I’m not sure I could do it, then everyone wonders whats it all about!) so I told him he could go afterward. He did, and they are good now.

Then he breaks his leg due to disobedience, and can’t play his favorite sport.

Last night, as we were praying before bed, he said: “Mom, did God break my leg and make me miss baseball season because He is mad at me?” .  Oh, the theological questions that come up at bed time. I said: “Honey, God didn’t break your leg, and He doesn’t do revenge with disobedient children. He loves you and forgives you. BUT, He allows consequences to be a teacher if you dont’ listen. He puts authority figures in your life to protect you from the full impact of foolish decisions. You chose to move out from underneath that protection, and you will have to deal with the consequences of your actions. Or, sometimes, other people’s wrong actions. Can you trust God do do what is right in your life?”. He agreed he could, and he could trust me even when I ruin his fun for safety’s sake. And his coach, too.

I should be thankful he entered this stage at almost 11, where Spikekid was fully in it by 9. Oh, the mercy of God…may I learn about the consequences of my own actions in what I teach my kids.

Hubby’s home. Hallelujah/Sub7anallah!! All is good, I have my head back on. And, I am enjoying 370 grams of Lindt Swiss chocolate, slowly. Yum