Whoever heard of your eyes being bigger than your stomach? Now they tell me my stomach is about the size of my fist. I was 4 years old and it was an exciting night at dinnertime, because afterwards there was going to be a PTA meeting at the one room schoolhouse, “Gem.” Going to PTA was fun. The people were all neighbors and friends who had grown up together, helping each other, praying for each other and laughing together. There were grades 1-8 in school.
It was a brisk fall evening and supper at home was a little earlier than usual to give plenty of time for getting ready for the meeting. Chores were done and everyone was all cleaned up when they came to the supper table. I can’t remember what was on the menu that evening except for the red cherry Jell-O. I did so love cherry Jell-O. That was dessert and of course that meant eating all your dinner before dessert. That wasn’t a problem because Mom was an amazing cook and her food was delicious. We all got to scoop out our own portion of that squirmy sweet Jell-O. Well, I did love it so and took out an overly excited amount into my bowl. At our house you never took out more than you can eat. About halfway through eating it, I couldn’t take another bite… I was so full... It was a rule in our house, that you never took more than you could eat. I was told I would sit there until I finished.
The time for leaving for the meeting was approaching quickly. My mind quickly thought through all the possible escape routes from my plight… Yes… I had it. If I poured my glass of water into my bowl it would make it uneatable. Grinning within I dumped my water into the bowl. Small islands of melting red began to float around into a lumpy soup. Mother was not pleased! Dad and the boys headed out the door off to an evening of laughter and fellowship. I, however, spent my evening staring at my defeated bowl of mush. At the time I thought my mom was the meanest, most non-understanding parent on the planet.
Today I realized she gave up her evening of friends and fellowship to teach me a life lesson. Rules are made to be followed; children are to be instructed and disciplined to be able to navigate and please God. Yes, and as a parent it costs you time, comfort, and sometimes pleasure to teach your children. Being sneaky, hiding faults, excuses and screaming are not good things. When children learn to listen and obey their parents then they are more prepared to hear God’s leading their lives.
Guess what, when your eyes are bigger than your stomach there is waste, wasted time, wasted food and a lesson in selfishness. Be careful in life what your eyes choose. Don’t fall for the desires that lead to trouble.
Matthew 6: 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good your whole body will be full of light”
Grandma Lynn
“Packer and Stacker”
1 comment
So much wisdom