Teaching discernment

As our little family drove from store to store on Saturday, the girls’ excitement grew. Each new experience, regardless of how routine, seemed to enhance the girls’ vigor for learning and socialization. As we traveled through one specific parking lot, I observed a scene from the past. As a young child I routinely remember seeing cars with their trunks open. Inside the trunk was always a cardboard box with the words “free puppies” written on the side. Seeing the words as a child lit a flame of excitement for me and I routinely begged mom to let me look at the precious little furry bundles.

Seeing a vehicle parked, trunk open, and that recognizable cardboard box caused me to smile and quickly say, “Look girls, free puppies.” My words were met with silence initially, then, as soon as they saw what I was talking about, pleas of taking home a new family member. After Momma and I firmly shot down that thought, the girl’s excitement continued as we talked about free puppies. As we spoke, I noticed Lilli, my middle daughter, shift into a solemn mood and grow silent. With concern in her eyes, she peered at the vehicle and puppies as if she feared something unknown.

It was then that it hit me. Routinely, in an attempt to protect our children, we joke about avoiding vans with free puppies signs. We have told the girls that it is important to never go anywhere, or get to close too strangers, because you never know when they may be up to no good. Our experience that morning of seeing, in real life, what we had been warning the girls about seemingly hit home to Lilli. As we inquired as to what was wrong, she somberly admitted, “Mom, I would have gone to see the puppies.” She went on to describe how the desire to see the puppies and maybe even hold one caused her to totally forget about all our previous warnings, inevitably succumbing to the puppy wielding bad guy hoping only to snatch her up.

Learning when its safe to engage a stranger is at times difficult. Instilling in the minds of our beloved children when it’s safe and potentially dangerous is hard. As I’ve said in the past learning from those around us is an imperative part of growing up and truly benefiting from our community. Teaching our children indicators of potential dangers, although difficult, is essential at fine tuning their ability to discern when and where they should avoid. As we strive to prepare our kids for life it’s important for us to set the tone for safety while avoiding putting out a blanket of totally sheltering them from everything that is out there.

Some people giving away free puppies are good people simply trying to share their merchandise. Walking alongside our children as they learn the fine art of discernment not only ensures their protection, but also gives us the opportunity to love on some babies, receive puppy kisses, and feel the joy of our childhood regardless of how far removed we are. Walk along for the journey, my friends.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from nine to 29.