We’ve got a rule in our house. Well actually more than one! But this one brings fits of laughter when broken rather than discipline. It’s the ‘you’re not dressed til you’ve had a kiss and cuddle’ rule. And yes, we even enforce it with our 15 year old son (sorry Joe, words out – but I know you like it!)
I can’t even remember when it started, I can just always remember doing it, and as the family grows it ensures everyone starts the day with a good dose of love! It doesn’t count if it’s from a brother or sister – it has to be from mum or dad! And if by some huge catastrophe you don’t get your kiss and cuddle til later in the day – it means you’ve been NAKED all day! How embarrassing is that?! We then laugh about where you’ve been or what you’ve done naked! Corny I know, but sometimes cornys ok!
A few years ago the differences between the words ‘naked’ and ‘nude’ came up in our schoolwork. Words like that are bound to get a kids attention, it was the definitions that got my attention (of course when I was 10 it probably just would’ve been the word naked too!).
Very basically, nude means not wearing clothes and naked means without protection.
Quite a difference. When Jesus says in Matthew 25:36 "I was naked and you clothed me", we can immediately think of putting clothes on someone – which is a form of protection. But what happens if we read it this way: "I was without protection and you provided me with a covering of protection".
We still enjoy joking about being naked, but also see the harsh reality of those that haven’t just missed out on a kiss and cuddle from mum or dad, but are truly naked in the authentic sense of the word – without protection; defence, guard, shield, fortification, safety, shelter, safeguard, armour. You don’t have to look very hard or very far to find these children – no matter where you live, and it’s not limited to children, just happens there’s a few more of them around us in this part of the world. Our mother and father hearts ache for those that don’t have this protection, and we’ll do anything in our power to provide it for them. To defend, guard, shield, strengthen, keep safe, shelter, and provide a protective covering for those that have no-one to do so. Jesus says when we do it to even one of these, we do it to him.
Looking for the one… over and over again.
2 comments:
LOVE it, Danielle!!!
Well written - and also a great ritual to do with the family. Maybe we should start it, too? Thanks for the idea! Never to late to start a good habit - and have some good laughs, too!
this is not from nathalie - it's me isabel - don't know what's happenin...
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