This past weekend, Caitlyn Su and Mark asked us to watch our grandchildren so they could attend an out-of-town wedding. This is the sort of thing grandparents live for. But, as usual, there was a surprise.
When I picked up Bruce from school, he proudly announced he had lost a tooth but being on a first name basis with the tooth fairy and after all those years of experience, I took it in stride knowing everything would be just fine. I should have done a better job thinking that through.
Very late on Friday night, the tooth fairy decided it was time to retrieve Bruce’s tooth and leave some money. But the last time the tooth fairy had been the tooth fairy was decades ago when he had two little girls, and everyone still carried cash.
As I looked in my wallet, I realized the smallest bill I had was a twenty. I knew this was setting a bad precedent, but duty called, and the tooth fairy was not going to let Bruce down.
Early the next morning, Bruce excitedly rushed into the kitchen and said, “Grandaddy, do you have an infrared light?” I said, “No, I don’t. Why do you need one?” Bruce said, “The tooth fairy left me twenty dollars and if I hold it up to an infrared light, there’s a strip I can see to show it’s not counterfeit.”
That’s right. My grandson was making sure the tooth fairy was not a cheat.
The point to this meandering devotional is the tooth fairy had set a high bar by leaving twenty dollars. The next time Bruce’s loses a tooth, he is going to expect the same. The precedent has been set and there’s no going back.
One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities parents, grandparents, and congregation has for our little ones is to set a precedent that will guide them through the good and bad times of life.
The wisest of all people said, “Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
I once read a quote that said, “Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” Truer words were never spoken.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please use me as a positive role model for the little ones I meet. Help them come to know and rely on you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
For the sake of our children, we have a very high bar. God will help us get there.
Also, just for the record, when Bryant and I were driving to the school to pick up his brother and sister, we discussed if he should be strapped to the front of his minivan. I explained he would get bugs in his teeth as we drove down the road. He was good with that. Then I explained I would be arrested by the police for strapping him to the front of the minivan. He was good with that.
Caitlyn Su is worried about Bryant and I spending too much time together.
I don’t get it.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 