Commentary

Commentary: Behaviorists believe that all human behavior is driven or reinforced by some type of pay off, or external reward. I believe this is true to an extent, but I also believe that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made' as the Psalmist (139:14) states, and thus, we are born with an internal "mapping" or uniqueness that influences every aspect of our behavior. As an admirer and observer of human behavior in my formative years, nursing career and family life, I strive to learn from my own and others' successes and mistakes. This would support the behaviorist view that all behavior is a result of positive and negative reinforcement of some kind. However, I am also a strong willed individual with a passionate streak for justice. That is innate, not learned. I spent years fighting that part of who I am because it did not "fit" with the "gentle quiet spirit" I felt was described in the Bible to meet the requirement of a Godly woman and to be pleasing to God. (If you ARE that woman, bless you! For years I tried to BE you.) I can temper my negative attributes, but should not complain to may Maker about how he made me and wish I were different. He made me the way I am and you the way you are, and we are to find joy, and beauty in that. Celebrate who you are. BE who you are in the Lord. Live your talent rather than burying it as in the cautionary parable of Matthew 25. Your children were assigned to YOU, not anyone else. In some of the examples I use in these blog postings, you may wonder if there is a spy among you, or if somehow I beamed myself into your living room and witnessed a scene like some of these I portray in these missives, however, that is not the case. Much of what I see and choose to write about comes from my own weaknesses, life experiences and successes and failures of the parenting my husband and I administered. I want to share these stories and hopefully stimulate dialogue among those of you who are living life together in community to consider new ideas, new ways to look at your lives and those of your children. Coming soon: Boundaries and Training Wheels