My mother recently visited us over the holidays. She was telling me a story that I did not know. I’m not sharing this story as a way to brag on myself, draw attention to sin or to mock sin. Quite frankly the story is humiliating. I would not want any child to model what I have done and my self-righteousness is screaming at me, “Don’t tell this!”
But it has been my experience through years of counseling parents of troubled teens that some parents need to come to grips with God’s unyielding love for us and his overwhelming sovereignty in our lives.
So, with much embarrassment, I share this story of hopelessness while reminding you that God had better things in mind.
Mom was recalling the day when she went to a high school football game to pick me up. I was about 14-years old. When she began asking my friends as to my whereabouts she encountered snickers, giggles and some avoidance. Finally after several inquiries two girls led her to the door of the men’s restroom at the school and said I was in there. She proceeded in (or had someone go in) and they brought me out. I was passed out, drunk.
She corralled my brother and they brought me home, placed me in the bathtub to throw-up and sleep it off.
That was over 35 years ago. God graciously regenerated my worthless self when I was 25. There had to be many times when my mom, dad, grandparents and others were despairing over my stupidity. But God more than conquered and it still amazes me after all these years.
Again, I share this story to my shame. There is nothing funny or worth bragging about regarding personal sin. However, I know many parents who easily forget God’s kind providence in their lives and how his grace is more than sufficient no matter what their son or daughter is doing today.
To God be the glory!
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