Coloring inside the lines

Not too long ago, I was repremanded by my younger cousin for teaching my children to color within the lines. While I understood her point of not stifling their creativity, I must say, there is a lesson to be learned in the concept of coloring inside the lines.

Too often we parents allow children to 'color outside the lines' on many issues. For instance: I made Chicken for supper, she wanted Maccaroni. Giving in to what the child wants is allowing them to color outside the lines. Children begin to define the parameters of their world instead of the authority figures that God has given them.

The whole lesson of coloring inside the lines goes much deeper than the coloring book. It applies to every area of life. Obey the speed limit. Look both ways before you cross the street. I could go on, but you understand.

I do allow my children to color whatever they would like on their own blank papers. They tend to draw an object, then color within the lines they have drawn for themselves. I think that speaks to the desire to be molded, taught, shaped into what God would have them become.

Our job as parents is to teach our children to color within the lines, follow the guidelines, obey the rules and laws. When our children have matured to a place where we can pass them the reigns to their futures, they may choose to color outside those lines. That is their perogative.

I pray as I teach my children the lines of life, that when given the reigns they will soar to heights unimaginable and only attainable by following God.