Son, don’t spit!

Dear son,

While I realize that you are only two years old right now, I also realize that I don’t want you to grow up to be a grown man my age who partakes in the type of behavior where you may think it is acceptable to spit in anyone’s face, or worse. Even though right now it is difficult, even impossible sometimes for you to understand why I ask you not to do certain things which seem funny; I still want you to do them, because I am trying to teach you to become a better man than I myself am capable.

It sure seemed like you thought it was really funny to spit in your mothers face. She didn’t appreciate it, and I was disappointed with that behavior because we have talked about this very thing before, and I know that you know better. Even worse, in my attempt to release you from the consequence of time out, you thought it well to spit in my face also, which merely extended the length of your stay.

Son, I do not enjoy putting you in time-out, or enforcing the consequences which I give you before allowing you to make your own choice, it is because of my love for you that I do. I want you to know that it is much better for you to learn and understand sooner than later that every choice we make has a consequence, whether it is good or bad. It is better to learn these lessons now, while you are young and making smaller mistakes, than as an adult making mistakes against the laws of society which are not forgiving. I would much prefer that you always make the right choice, and as an adult I know that would simply be asking far too much of a toddler.

Son, while I am attempting to teach you the difference between appropriate behaviors and inappropriate behaviors, I know that you are teaching me patience, tolerance, and more about God, and his mercy. You are teaching me how imperfect I am, and how much I need to look up to God’s example and apply it to the relationship between you and me. Son I want you to know that I love you.

Love,

Your Father


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