Five Months, Three Weeks

Snoopers' Slippers

As a small boy, with two younger brothers, Christmastime was a magical time of year. From the decorating of the tree, to that moment when we were finally allowed to tear into our presents, I was rapt with anticipation for Christmas morning. One particular Holiday season (I must not have been more than seven years old) my younger brother and I discovered packages in our family minivan. A quick peek revealed some glorious fluffy slippers. By some supernatural paternal sense, Dad knew to ask us if we had peeked inside the bags when he hopped into his driver’s seat. Upon arriving home, after a conference with Mom, they presented Matt and me with the best slippers a boy could imagine several weeks early. Good deal!

Christmas Eve finally arrived, and the Blosser family enjoyed a fun tradition the night before of opening one gift early, an appetizer, if you will, of the festivities next day. Curiously, the condition this year was that Mom and Dad would pick our early delight from the pile. We three tore into our gifts, one to rapturous delight, two to devastating discipline. For Eric, the youngest and most obedient (in this matter) found a cozy pair of slippers in his package. Matt and I, on the contrary, empty slipper boxes. Cruel blow! The lesson was taught and learned in a moment. Our tears flowed, amends were made, and Matt and I (and Eric doubtless) were cured for life of sneaky snooping during Christmastime. Dad explained that we must not rob our givers the joy of giving.

Mom and Dad have since confessed that this one broke their hearts. I think Mom wondered if they were scarring us for life. Perhaps in a cruel family, we would have been scarred. But, in such a loving house, these lessons fall on better soil. I think it was genius. Well done, folks! Thanks for loving us enough to discipline us.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11