There is nothing more beneficial than a few hard knocks in life.  It softens one’s approach to others and gives you a better idea of what other people are going through.

For years I wondered why people could not control their children, until I had a child.  I looked at what I considered spineless adults when confronting teenagers, until I had a teenager; then I knew.  Then I saw the day in day out wear on the grown-up as they juggled work, life, bills and the demands of a child or children. 

Sometimes, you just give in to get a moment of peace.  Sometimes you are just too tired to explain or say no for the millionth time. 

Now when I see a parent struggling with their child, either to catch a running toddler, do homework with a third grader or argue with a teen, I try to give the parent an encouraging “I-know-what-you-are-going-through” look.  Then I try to compliment their efforts.

I understand Bible stories better now.  I think of Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac, in obedience to the Lord, and looking at my son, I know, I probably could not do that.  How hard it must have been for Samson to resist the pleadings of Delilah.   I’ve experienced the tears of someone I love as they asked me for something I could give, yet doubting my love for them because I wouldn’t give them what they felt they needed.  Samson’s temptation was a lot stronger than I thought when I first read his story.

Even King Saul, not waiting for Samuel, but offering a sacrifice to the Lord before going to battle, hits me a little differently these days.  He thought he was out of time and he panicked.  He did the wrong thing.  What have I chosen to do in my stressful days when help doesn’t seem to come?

So, I give people more room for their choices.  If they are anything like me, they’re doing the best they can.  I need to cut them a break.  I’m not so quick to judge, in fact, I don’t want to judge at all; anytime, anywhere or anyone!  It’s just not my job.