Dearest mother, I know it’s hard. It’s hard to keep your eyes open and really see your child. Mothers so often see with their heart and this clouds reality. Your child desperately wants to know where the boundary lines are drawn and she looks hourly to you for the answer.

     You deceive yourself if you think your kindness is always goodness, or your sweet softness is always beneficial to your child. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt on his view of foreign policy, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” The truly kind mother would never let naughtiness take root and blossom in the heart of her child. The truly loving mother would never allow her child to disobey a clear and thoughtful command thereby fortifying his will with the barbs of obstinancy.

     Gentleness mingled with firmness and consistency will safely guide you and your child in the way. Fearfully and wonderfully made are the children indeed. As you sit at the feet of Jesus you will see the wonders of His calling on your life as “Mother.” Into your hands is given the grand possibility of helping to nurture a life created to bring glory to God’s name. Training begins now. Your business this day is vital.

Ecclesiastes 8:11, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."