Parents and Children

I just returned from a wonderful week at Pawleys Island, SC, with my parents - we stay at an inn (no shoes, no tv, no computers, no cell phones, no locks on doors, shower down the hall) with 3 meals a day and no obligations other than snoozing, sunning, rocking on the porch and reading. One of the highlights is Miss Frances, who manages the staff and also sings her own amazing version of Happy Birthday to anyone celebrating during the week. In a conversation with my mother on the last day there was mutual head-shaking over children who don't "do right" and Miss Frances gave my mother several examples of Bible offspring (both children & adults) who stray from the path. And then she cited Adam and Eve, whose parent was no other than God - and who still messed up. So as parents we can only do our best and then put our children in God's hands. At the end of the conversation, Miss Frances blessed my parents in song - bringing my mother to tears.
During the week I read Grapes of Wrath, this Fall's Big Read for Orange County. There's a big difference between reading it in high school and as an adult! There are some amazing Biblical associations and tremendous richness of language, symbolism and feeling. I highly recommend reading the book and/or taking in some of the programs planned for September & October (movie showing, dramatic reading, book discussions, art exhibits) - check with your local library to find out what, when & where. Everything is free and some venues will be accepting donations of canned goods for local food pantries.