If you are like me, I expect an operating manual to be included with any purchase that is the least bit complicated. I think that is a fair expectation, don't you?
For instance, my new cell phone has a rather thick manual that came with it that I am still digesting. Even the smallest of purchases has instructions with it and often those instructions are printed in several languages. The hair blow-dryer that was in our hotel during our recent trip to New Mexico had instructions printed in Italian, French, English, and German.
Operating instructions help to prevent injuries, frustrations, divorces and homicides. They also save time and enable the purchaser to operate the purchase correctly and efficiently.
It is just logical that operating instructions should be included with any complicated device, machine, or equipment. The Good Lord knows this so how He could allow children to be given to parents without an operating manual is beyond me. Of all of the life experiences that we humans could forsee, having children and being responsible for their upbringing, upkeep, and well-being ranks as number one in heavy-duty responsibility. I realize that the Bible is the only document that serves as a reliable operating manual, but even the Bible is puny in scope compared to the magnitude, latitude and longitude (pun intended) of being a parent.
I don't care how old we parents get, therefore extrapolating from that how old the 'child' gets; parenting often becomes more fun but does not loose its ability to produce stress. We are parents to our last breath and we pray fervently that our children are alive when we breathe our final intake.
There is the key word: pray - unceasingly for our children, their children, and every generation thereafter.
Ancora imparo
