Bruno Versus Jesus
Oh, the joys of parenthood! My boy was in one of his defiant moods as I was struggling to get him dressed in time for church. We were running late as usual. I had tried to calmly brief him that we were going to church because it's Sunday. This was not working in my favor.
Feeling flustered and perturbed I blurted out to Constantine, "Who do you prefer? Bruno or Jesus?" Without pause he answered, "Bruno." I flashed back, "Wrong answer! Do you think Bruno will help you get to heaven?!" Then the little boy responded, "Daddy, heaven." Sighing in relief I said, "Yes, that's a better answer. Daddy will help us get to heaven."
This was an opportunity for me as a parent to weigh in on the effects of what is too much for a little child. There is no doubt that Bruno Mars is a talent and huge iconic force today but my husband and I will not adhere to him or any other public persona getting in the way of our family's obligation to spend it with the Lord. Foremost, God comes first before our own wants and needs.
The dangers of bombarding our children with too much TV and Internet are real and it's important to set the parameters straight and clear at a young age. Besides the questions of how much is too much and possible harmful effects on our children, we have to ask if what our children are exposed to will be a benefit to them spiritually. Can it help build their character and moral fiber?
It's easy to turn on the TV to keep our children preoccupied but do we let them go unguarded? I've grown accustomed to this behavior enumerating in my mind all the must haves that I want to get done before the day is over but what about my most important responsibility? I have asked myself from time to time, "Am I spending enough time with my boy? Am I pointing him to Christ? Am I showing him how to love Him?"
It's a balancing act that needs to be played out throughout the day and it's taxing. My consolation is always prayer. It's what gets me through the day. As a wife and mother I know that I cannot do it all, not without His help. I can always count on His help.
Though we are fans of Bruno Mars we are bigger fans of Jesus Christ whom we hope to spend eternity with in heaven. God bless my little boy and all the children. May we help the little ones get to heaven.
“My consolation is always prayer.”