What children say...

Recently, my wife and I were eating lunch in an east Indian restaurant (we enjoy Indian food very much!). A family of four entered the restaurant and were seated two tables away from us. There was the father, the mother, and two small children. The youngest child was about two or three years old. But, the child that attracted our attention was a cute 5-year old boy.

While we were eating the 5-year old boy suddenly spoke in very clear, serious language, "I'm getting calmer now." That sounded a little unusual coming from a child his age. A few minutes later, the little boy spoke up again and, in a very grown-up, but spirited voice, said, "I'm getting happier and happier!"

We were amused and quite taken by the young tyke's ability to speak so clearly and express himself as he did. But, the thought also entered our minds, "What conversation went on in that family prior to them entering the restaurant?" We could only assume that the boy's parents had warned him about his conduct in public. We could only assume that he had a history of misconduct in public, and that his parents had warned him rather strongly that he should be calm and be happy, rather than to act out, put on a show, or throw a tantrum. And, we thought that his words were a means of letting his parents know that he was really trying his best to behave in public and not get into trouble.

Since that occasion, we have told a few people about that little boy and his sayings. And, we have found ourselves saying at various moments, "I'm getting happier and happier!" or, "I'm getting calmer now." It has been an interesting source of learning and humor for us.

One thing that I have not found amusing over the past few years is the blatant and irreverent use of God's name. I am "sick" of hearing the exasperated, or surprised expression, "Oh, ...My... God!" (with a pause between each word for emphasis). It can be heard on television, radio, and in the movies. It is often heard in public. Such an expression or ejaculation of words is very irreverent and sinful. It is the taking of God's name in vain. Sometimes children say it because they heard an adult say it. I even heard my Indonesian landlord use the expression once in English. Apparently, he had heard it on an American program which was being aired on Indonesian television.

In 1968, a country singer by the name of Henson Cargill sang a song entitled, "Skip A Rope." The introductory lyrics are:

"Oh, listen to the children while they play,

Now ain't it kinda funny what the children say,

Skip a rope."

The song is a sad song and a potent, but true commentary about what children say to each other as they play with one another. They hear what their parents say at home and repeat it at play and in school--sometimes even in Sunday school. The song deals with spousal hatred, lying, cheating on taxes, parents who fight, not following the Golden Rule, getting ahead regardless of the means, and hating others because of the color of their skin. It is a powerful statement of what goes on in some homes and just where children often first learn to be disrespectful, irreverent, and immoral.

Cargill ends the song with the following refrain:

"Just listen to your children while they play,
It's really not very funny, what the children say,
Skip a rope, skip a rope."

I heard a fellow one time say that a certain young person got in with the wrong crowd--he got in with his parents! What a tragic home that must have been.

Deuteronomy 5:11 states, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."

Jesus taught, "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:... Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black" Matthew 5:34, 36.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" Matthew 12:36.

James 5:12 states, "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."

Parents have a serious responsibility to train their children in the way of the Lord, and that includes the matter of speech. "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," Ephesians 6:4.

The little boy in the Indian restaurant was well-behaved, but he has really given us much food for thought. What are your children seeing and hearing in your home?

SPW