Judy and I really enjoyed having four days away with our daughter, son-in-law and their two little boys at the end of August. Thomas, our older grandchild (he is nearly two and a half) is fascinated with our dog Smokey. She is very tolerant of him but really does not like him trying to tread on her paws! This he seems determined to try to do, even though he knows it is not a good idea! So you can imagine the tears when he oversteps the mark and is corrected. Boundaries need to be established for our own self-discipline and the wellbeing of all.
I was reminded on the radio on the 1st September that it was 70 years since Hitler invaded Poland. The reasons for that event are many and complex, but one is the self- will of Hitler. The consequences of his insistence on doing what he wanted and so walking all over the boundaries of another nation were immense for millions. (When, and by whom, throughout his days was he disciplined and corrected with wisdom and graciousness?)
I could not help linking these two scenarios. The need for learning self-discipline and  respect for boundaries which are there to protect us and others, and so channel and enrich life all around, is paramount at every stage of life, whoever we are.
Parents need wisdom, love and consistency in the building of self-discipline in their children. It is hard and often emotionally draining work for which they need support.
But the same issue faces all of us in so many of the decisions we make. It made me think afresh. Am I open to the gracious disciplining of others – ready to restrict or adjust my wants, ambitions, behaviour….? How do I know what is good and acceptable, and what is not? When should I speak up when I see others stepping over the mark? The answer to such questions are neither obvious, nor easy. Yet we need others around us who love us enough to take on that role with grace.  How different our News headlines and our community ‘gossip’ would be if we were better at these things….
Rightly we are cautious in taking on such roles – for we know our understanding, motives and behaviour are not perfect…but there is One who is morally perfect, who loves and understands us all completely, and only ever wants the best for all that He has made. He is not only willing to instruct us day by day, but ready to live in us to equip us with wisdom and to empower us to build community in the home, in the village, in the work place and even among the nations, if day by day we are open to His living presence with us.  With my greetings, Jim Stevens