Christmas Gone Bad! from Sankie Lynch on Vimeo.
Many people have written on how most of us usually present the “good sides” of our families. We post pictures and stories when our kids succeed or have a starring role or excel in school or sports. We also tell stories of our great parenting moments.
I love being raw. Many of you know that. When people ask, in passing by, “How are you?” I often tell them. Which is usually more than they asked for!
I also prefer the idea that “I’m not ok. You’re not ok. Let’s be ok with that.” Instead of the alternative “I’ll act like I’ve got it all together. You act like you’ve got it all together. Let’s do that!”
Add to that the fact that I am a Pastor of Families. And I write a blog that speaks much to the issue of parenting. And I speak to many parents and teach classes on discipling your children and teaching them the ways of the Lord.
Let this encourage you and reveal we are not experts and we fail miserably in many and various ways!!
Note: (All of these events happen in less than 60 seconds—that’s how bad we are.)
1. Youngest son, Jackson, kicks it all off with a growling angst in having to open the present together. It would seem we’ve never talked to our kids at all about sharing hearts ready to give to others! Fail 1.
2. Oldest son, Sankie’s immediate idolatry over a Wii game. Some of you don’t even allow your kids to have gaming systems—especially not allowing kids to idolize them! Fail 2.
3. Middle son, Owen, ripping the Mario Sports Mix game away from younger brother. Great teamwork, humility, and concern for others than yourselves. Fail 3.
4. Youngest son again, Jack’s second turn, grabbing, slinging, and assaulting Owen with a nice shot. Most parents have talked to their children about assault and battery. Fail 4.
5. Dad (me-42 yrs old), as I see the tension mounting and know Jack’s next move, you can hear me quietly saying “Yesss!!!” in the moment of thrill…I mean disgrace. Fail 5.
6. Oldest son attempting to bring peace, calm Jack, and stop the assault—it doesn’t work. Most of you have trained your older children to help in times of crisis. Fail 6.
7. Dad again, as I passively stand back giggling while my eight year-old steps up to protect and bring peace—you can hear me say “Christmas gone bad!” Most of you are more mature and don’t fall into the four year-olds demise. Not me! I was the baby of the family also. Me and Eddie Vedder feel his angst! Fail 7.
8. Youngest son again (his 3rd entry) as he’s being hugged and comforted by his older brother—he goes into Assault and Battery II. Bold move. Fearless. We’ll see how that works out in life. Fail 8.
9. Mom and Dad together—after four year-old assaults both brothers—what is the right thing to do? Correct him? Speak to him about his selfishness? Nope. Not us. We simply make the two assaulted boys give him the idolatrous video game he was throwing a fit over. Fail 9.
10. Dad (my 3rd entry—or 4th if you give me credit for the sack on last play) turning to their grandmother who currently has brain and lung cancer, simply blaming her, “Grammy, you caused the fight.” Fail 10.
You should feel very good about yourselves. You are much better parents than we are!
I doubt anyone can beat that Christmas Parenting Fail video in less than 60 seconds?
Enjoy!
May we all (even those of us needing the most help!) enjoy much grace in 2015!
Sankie P. Lynch
www.nbchurch.info
www.nbfamilies.info
sankie@nbchurch.info
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