Just Enough Rope....

There is an old expression about giving someone "just enough rope to hang themselves"....

It seems I have witnessed my fair share of it. Sometimes I've allowed it with my kids. I'm all about natural consequences with them. If they can learn a lesson ONCE through a natural consequence (that isn't full-out dangerous, of course!) verses me warning them a hundred times about it and saving them just in time over and over again. So be it... once it is!

I've witnessed it in others as well....sometimes I've sent a warning, other times, it seems like God has said "Keep your mouth shut, I'm teaching a lesson here!" Some of the hardest times, have been the ones when it is someone I love and I know there isn't anything I can say or do that will fix it. All I can do is pray that His hand is merciful.

And then, harder still, are the times when sitting and watching, I struggle to not cry out "YES! YES! YES!!", cheering God along as He goes. I know that may not be a "correct" response, but having seen enough of it, it does remind me that He does not overlook sin. (And His consequences are much more perfect than mine could ever be.)

As I was writing this, the thought occurred to me that perhaps God uses that strategy with me as well... I have certainly had my share of "sow this... reap that", but somewhere, someone must be praying for mercy for me, because He continues to shower me with it!

Thank you God for your mercy and grace...