The truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth (as I see it)
Spending a lot of time with my young granddaughters has given me new perspective on the concept of truth. I have seen clearly how it is possible for multiple versions of truth to emerge without any attempt to deceive. It seems inherent in our human nature to have difficulty seeing, let alone understanding, life from the perspective of someone else. Particularly if that person gets in the way of what we want.
Here are some examples I have observed from watching children. In each case the speaker truly believes the words spoken. The names have been changed to protect the identity of the guilty!
“For no reason!”
Clarence takes a toy away from Becky who starts crying.
A few minutes later, Becky hits Clarence for “no reason”.
“Differing perspectives”
Destiny is playing with a baby doll & puts it down when she starts watching tv.
Evelyn takes the baby doll & Destiny screams, “I had that first!”
“Exaggerating to make a point”
16 year old Alice accidentally drove too fast around a curve.
When they get home her sister reports to their parents that,
“Alice was driving 200 miles per hour & almost got us killed.”
“Using always & never”
“He always takes my things!” ” He never shares!”
“Judging a person based on their worst moment”
At the end of a long, hot, frustrating day
little Frannie starts crying & screaming at bedtime.
Her cousin George declares, “She is such a baby!”
“Labeling without understanding the motivation”
Young Izzie takes a piece of gum from her mommy’s purse to share with her friend Jane. Ken tells on her for stealing.
“Prejudice”
Linda is brutally teased by an older red headed girl & forevermore hates all red heads.
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As adults, we too have our blind spots,
especially in relating to children.
For example:
“Overlooking behavior based on our connection with the offender”
“If Junior punched some little kid in the face I’m sure he deserved it.”
“Basing our judgment on performance, not effort”
Martie has a learning disability but when she brings home her report card she hears,
“All C’s again Martie? If you would just try a little harder
you could make A’s like your brother!”
“Condemning based on a behavior without seeing the whole person”
Little Jeremy grows up in a home where using profanity is common.
But he loves Jesus & goes to church with his neighbors.
When he says a bad word at church,
Olivia’s mom says she can’t play with Jeremy anymore because he is bad.
Point to Ponder:
For children nearly all of life is experienced in the moment. Therefore it is quite possible for them to share what they are experiencing & believe it is the absolute truth. (Not that they are incapable of lying, of course.) As we relate to them we need to understand this, as much as possible, and to measure our responses accordingly.
Two things about children work in their favor. They can adamantly express themselves in the noblest or worst terms & a few minutes later forget all about it. And they also will mature (hopefully) as they experience more of life.
As adults, we often respond to life in the same immature way our kids do. But unlike them, we don’t get over it quickly & our behavior doesn’t mature over time without intentionally choosing to make that happen. Here is some sage advice for all of us, young & old alike:
“Watch your words & hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.” Prv. 21:23 MSG
Blessings,
Ruff
"Ruff?" 