Learning the Hard Way - August 4

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 78:1-39; PM Psalm 78:40-72; Judges 7:1-18; Acts 3:1-11; John 1:19-28

Raising teenagers ain’t for wimps. Especially during the age of freedom once they get their driver’s license. In many ways, this new freedom they achieve is a huge benefit. I can remember being thankful for the time I got back from all the trips back and forth between school, activities, friends’ houses, and so on. Plus, it gives them experience living into their expanded freedom and navigating the world on their own. But it can be a huge source of fear and anxiety precisely because of the tremendous amount of freedom that comes with that driver’s license. Truth be told, I think my fear for what my kids might do out there on their own probably stemmed a great deal from what I know they can get into, based on my own experience of being a teenager. I remember Steve and myself cautioning our teenagers to be careful and smart, outlining all the things they can and cannot do, the protocol for problematic situations, and consequences for certain things that are off-limits to do.

Then, as each one went off to college, they received even more instructions and cautions. I didn’t over share with my kids, but I told them enough about my experiences with the intention of teaching them and hoping they would not make the same mistakes that I made. They listened and mostly learned what to do and not do.

Most of the time, they’re going to be just fine, but sometimes they’re going to abuse their freedom and make the wrong choices. This is almost a necessary part of the deal, that they have to learn things the hard way through experience. The point is that they are growing up and becoming their own person with the freedom to make choices on their own, and it’s hard for parents to let go and trust them to use the responsibility that goes along with this new power they have received.

I think it’s safe to say that we all want the best for our own generation, as well as the generations to come. We want to learn from those who have gone before us and not make the same mistakes and errors, and we even strive to improve and pass along our experience and wisdom to those who follow behind us. Despite this lofty ideal, we are all stubborn and rebellious at times and so are the people we are raising. Some of the most impactful life lessons I’ve learned have been from errors in judgment, stubbornness, or selfishness. Thankfully, I haven’t gotten the punishments I’ve deserved. I wonder if you can relate?

Psalm 78 tells Israel’s history during the Wilderness Wandering as a way of teaching about the journey of faith. The people of Israel have to learn things the hard way because they are stubborn and rebellious. This Psalm also teaches us about the nature of God and to trust God’s commandments. We hear how God is steadfast in grace, faithfulness, and goodness. This gives us HOPE for today, that despite our tendency to learn things the hard way, God calls humans into covenant and offers an abundance of grace, mercy, and goodness to his rebellious creatures. May we listen and learn to put our trust in God and keep God’s commandments.

 -- Susan Oakes, Seminarian

Susan Oakes is a rising senior at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. This summer, she is serving as a seminarian intern at Saint Stephen's, her sponsoring parish for ordination.

Questions for Self-Reflection: Can you relate to the situation of learning life lessons the hard way? Do you sense God’s mercy and goodness in your life?

Daily Challenge: Think about something our generation still isn’t getting right. If God’s great commission is to love God and love our neighbors, how might our generation get it right if we love more? In what ways would it look and feel different? How might you put more love into practice?