“You’re not being fair!” the child wailed.

His mother sighed.  It was one of those days. She was down to her last nerve, and Junior had just tweaked it.  Granted, it was a minor spat. On any other day she’d just laugh and move on, but today – well, today it exploded into a major battle of wills. Exhausted, she gave up.

“All right, have it your way!” she muttered through gritted teeth.

Now be honest, you’ve all been there. Every one of you knows what the mom said and how she said it. In fact, I suspect you’ve said it to your child. I know I have.  It could have been a toddler or a troublesome teen. Perhaps uttered by your mother or grandmother. Regardless, this tension-filled scene is a timeless statement on the conflict between parent and child, authority and free will.

Overused as an artistic device, some would call it passe’. Nevertheless, it remains standard theatrical fodder. It persists because everyone recognizes the tension – because we’ve all been there.

“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’ ”  — C.S. Lewis

 

Like truculent five-year-olds, we bull ahead, insisting on having our way.

‘Tis the curse of free will – we are free to make bad choices.

Today, go forth and choose wisely.

David L. Dahl

Need a gift for that young reader?

Check out Olivia’s Story: Protector of the Realm

GranSave

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save