🍎 When our kids were little, a book came out by a pop singer that actually had a really great message about dealing with gossip and telling the truth. The example I gave, which was an example in a children’s message at Church with a visiting pastor, Pastor Brown. He handed a child in the group who came forward for the message before the adult sermon, a banana to peel. Once the child peeled the banana, Pastor Brown asked the child if she could put it back together. The child answered no. Then Pastor then asked another child to crack and egg into a bowl. When he did, he was asked the same question, “Could it be put back together?” Again, the answer was no. The lesson anticipated being taught was different than I expected, but it was a good one too.
The lesson taught was (I’m paraphrasing) “Just like you cannot put a banana back into it’s peel or an egg back into it’s shell, you cannot take back hurtful words or actions.” Very true. Also, which was the lesson that came to mind, “Once gossip is spoken, it is not easily taken back.” Gossip is hurtful and harmful. It may be tempting to pass along bad news or the like, but resist the temptation. It’s one thing to offer to step in and help when someone is going through tough stuff and telling another neighbor or friend so you can enlist help to step in where you can. It’s quite another to just pass along the info, which may or may not be true, and not be willing to lend a helping hand. Your kids are watching and listening. They will learn from your actions. Watch what you do and say, As Barbra Streisand sang, “Children Will Listen,” from “Into the Woods.” It’s a Great Day 🍎
