He soon repeated a little more firmly that he really had to go. She was just as firm that he could wait just another moment. At that, he leaned forward and proceeded to vomit all over the pew in front of him (a nice padded seat).

There was a good lesson in that, as well. Its OK to make rules that teach people responsibility, but one-size-fits-all rules are sometimes out of touch with reality. This was one exception to the rule that we should have heeded.

Are there rules you are imposing on others that just might be too much for them at this point in their lives?

That story illustrates what Paul meant when he wrote, “God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Have you ever paid the price for someone else’s wrong? Tell us about that.

In the absence of parental leadership, some children become extremely obnoxious and defiant, especially in public places. Perhaps the best example was a 10-year old boy named Robert, who was a patient of my good friend, Dr. William Slonecker. Dr. Slonecker said his pediatric staff dreaded the days when Robert was scheduled for an office visit. He literally attacked the clinic, grabbing instruments and files and telephones. His passive mother could do little more than shake her head in bewilderment.

During one physical examination, Dr. Slonecker observed severe cavities in Robert’s teeth and knew that the boy must be referred to a local dentist. But who would be given the honor? A referral like Robert could mean the end of a professional friendship. Dr. Slonecker eventually decided to send him to an older dentist who reportedly understood children. The confrontation that followed now stands as one of the classic moments in the history of human conflict.

Robert arrived in the dental office, prepared for battle. “Get in the chair, young man,” said the doctor. “No chance!” replied the boy.

“Son, I told you to climb onto the chair, and that’s what I intend for you to do,” said the dentist. Robert stared at his opponent for a moment and then replied, “If you make me get in that chair, I will take off all my clothes.”

The dentist calmly said, “Son, take them off.” The boy forthwith removed his shirt, undershirt, shoes and socks, and then looked up in defiance.

“All right, son,” said the dentist. “Now get in the chair.” “You didn’t hear me, “sputterd Robert. “I said if you make me get on that chair, I will take off all my clothes.”

“Son, take them off,” replied the dentist. Robert proceeded to remove his pants and shorts, finally standing totally naked before the dentist and his assistant.

“Now, son, get in the chair,” said the doctor. Robert did as he was told, and sat cooperatively through the entire procedure. When the cavities were drilled and filled, he was instructed to step down from the chair.

“Give me my clothes now,” said the boy. “I’m sorry,” replied the dentist. “Tell your mother that we’re going to keep your clothes tonight. She can pick them up tomorrow.”

Can you comprehend the shock Robert’s mother received when the door to the waiting room opened, and there stood her pink son, as naked as the day he was born? The room was filled with patients, but Robert and his mom walked past them and into the hall. They went down the public elevator and into the parking lot, ignoring the snickers of onlookers.

The next day, Robert’s mother returned to retrieve his clothes, and asked to have a word with the dentist. However, she did not come to protest. These were her sentiments: “You don’t know how much I appreciate what happened here yesterday. You see, Robert has been blackmailing me about his clothes for years. Whenever we are in a public place, such as a grocery store, he makes unreasonable demands of me. If I don’t immediately buy him what he wants, he threatens to take off all his clothes. You are the first person who called his bluff, and the impact on Robert has been incredible.

What is your take on the dentist’s action? Was that a good or bad thing to do?

Lauren said, “Now, Reuben, I know you don’t like buying me Christmas presents, and you really don’t like wrapping them, so why don’t you just not bother. Make it easy on yourself and just make it in tens and twenties.” Fortunately, I had the newspaper up over my face, because I just about lost it. I think those two kids have marriage down pretty well already.

What have you heard a kid saying recently?

One day one of those light tubes needed replaced. I got out the stepladder and crawled up there to replace it. While up there I discovered a Welch’s grape juice bottle cap that said, “Howdy’s Favorite Drink”, and a picture of Howdy Doody. Apparently some kid had thrown it up there decades earlier when his/her parents were preparing communion.

I kept that cap in my office as a reminder that our church is always about children. When the Head Start system purchased the old building and renovated it, I was asked to officiate at the official dedication of the new Head Start program. After I had finished speaking, I presented the Howdy Doody bottle cap to the Director of the Head Start program reminding her the building had always been about children. She was delighted.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever found?

So they prayed together. As soon as they finished, Caitlin asked, “What did He say?” Her mother explained that it doesn’t work that way; sometimes it takes a long time to get an answer. Caitlin was indignant: “Do you mean we were praying to an answering machine?”

What lessons has a kid taught you?

“How many of you really want prayer returned to public schools?” he began. Everyone’s had shot up with conviction.

“Second,” he continued, “How many of you dear people took time in the last 24 hours to pray with your own children in your own home?” This time, only a few hands were raised, and other group members squirmed in their seats.

The senator continued, “How is it you expect the public schools to do something for your children that you are unwilling to do in your own homes?”

I think he’s got a point. What do you think about it?

The lad said, “God bless our mothers and our fathers and our teachers and our brothers and our sisters – and please take care of Yourself, God; if anything happens to You, we’re sunk!”

Now, I know they’ll only be here for a week, and I know they’re just kids, but I don’t like that disorderliness. But while I was dealing with my frustration, the Lord reminded me how he must feel when he looks at all the clutter in my life. Why don’t I just take care of one thing at a time? I’m sure He sees wall to wall clutter in my life.

So, I decided to chill out and just let the mess be acceptable for these days. In just a few short years they won’t want to visit here anymore at all. So, we’ll make precious memories while we can.

Source: Free to Be Family, published by the Family Research Council, a division of Focus on the Family.