All three of my children have and are currently big fans of a chain of children's books written by Mercer Mayer. In this series of books he chronicles the life and adventures of a furry creature named "Little Critter". A week or so ago I read to my 3 year old son Mercer Meyer's book "I'm Sorry". In the story, Little Critter, goes through a series of "oops" moments. Whether it be spilling the milk, breaking a vase, or letting the water in the bath tub run over. After each of those moments Little Critter responds with his patented, "I'm Sorry". The book ends with Little Critter's Mom giving him a big hug and explaining that "I'm sorry" loses a little of it's meaning if it is not followed up with a change in behavior.
For Little Critter, saying "I'm Sorry" is not an issue but unfortunately it is for me. I'm great at forgiving wrongs or restoring people who have done me wrong but if I have to submit myself before someone and seek their forgiveness it rattles me to my core. My pride comes screaming out and in an effort of self preservation my lips become locked and I just can't seem to get out the words, "I'm sorry". It seems that most people I encounter usually fall to one of the two extremes. Either the apology comes so easy and is followed with no change in behavior OR the mere words and humility are buried under prideful ambitions. Which one are you?
Humility is a scary thing. Humility is the allowance of youself to be in the presence and control of someone greater than you. Our culture has made humility which God exalts as a source of strength, read Philippians 2, into a proverbial dirty word. What is so wrong with submitting to Parents, Teachers, each other, or even God? When has humility been associated with weakness? What a fallacy the world has convicted us of. Humility is one of the strongest characteristics found in Christ which can also be found in you and me.
Typically Students are 16 going on 30. They want the freedom and often times their desire for that bypasses the necessity of humility. All too often I see Parents that are too interested in being their Student's friend then their Parent. To be completely clear, this is NOT humility but rather selfishness. In many families the appropriate question of, who's in charge, needs to be asked. Humility does not take away leadership or strength. Parents, have you ever made a mistake while Parenting? Please say yes so that I'm not the only one! Would it be appropriate to apologize to your own children? I believe so. It would demonstrate strength and expectation of your Children to follow that example. It doesn't demean you or take your autority away, it makes you Christ-like.
Students, do you really want to be in charge of your own life? Do you really want all that it entails and encompasses? Are you big enough to go out on your own? Probably not. Even though your Parents may not be perfect let me tell you a secret, NEITHER ARE YOU!! Humility is something that is deeply need in our families, Churches, and communities. Don't be afraid to submit to your Parents and and Parents don't be afraid to demand that submission. Remember that question we asked earlier, who's in charge?
I still hate apologizing but it is still necessary for me to do. I'm not perfect and to overlook my own frailities makes me less of a leader and less like Christ. I don't know about you, but maybe I need to read Mercer Mayer's "I'm Sorry" and learn a slight lesson from Little Critter.
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