Protecting Her Cub
John Miller
09/28/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 9/27/21 ____________________________________________________________ "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." - Eph. 6:1 |
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While photographing black bears in northern Minnesota, I came across a mother with her cub foraging along the forest floor. The cub was doing what all children do, exploring everything new and enjoying life without a care in the world. The mother, however, was different. She constantly was watching over her cub and being alert to any sign of danger. Apparently, she was not sure of my intentions as I moved ever closer. A soft sound from her mouth directed toward the cub was all the instruction this little guy needed. He immediately climbed up the nearest tree and waited for word from his mother as to when it was safe to come down. I have noticed similar behavior in all creatures in the natural world. Mom or dad give orders, and the kids obey immediately. They have learned that disobedience can result in death. They have learned to trust in what their parents say and what they model. Right and wrong are defined by watching what mom and dad do and what they avoid. This, of course, places a tremendous responsibility on all parents. Children are not always to be appeased, they are to be taught. And actions often speak louder than words. My parents, like all parents, were far from perfect but they modeled what they believed. And we got the message. Children, of course, often digress from what they were taught. I know I did. But I never forgot what my parents valued. Godly parents are a gift from God to their children, and ungodly parents are a curse. Parents, your faith or lack of faith will have a profound effect on your children. And children, it is not only right, but honoring to God to obey your parents in the Lord. - John
