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“Good Advice For Parents”

Thoughts for Today:

Most of us really don't like people who say, "I told you so." I'm sure the sailors were no different especially because not only were their lives in great danger, but they had also endured such hardship. Two things made Paul's comment a bit more tolerable, first he waited a long time before saying anything; and second, he offered both hope and encouragement with his admonishment.

My daughter came home from school yesterday afternoon and in great embarrassment displayed a homework assignment on which she received a low score (she is usually a very good student). Within a few minutes I was able to recognize it was the same problem we have been working on for months. I gave her my version of "I told you so." I asked her, "Do you remember what we talked about? That's right, it is very important to read or listen very carefully to all the directions before you start an assignment." Then I gave her a little Paulesque type of encouragement, "You are a very smart girl and when you concentrate you get really good grades. Now let's do this assignment over because I'm sure you know all the right answers." That put a really big smile on her face. "I told you so" always goes better with a little encouragement.

By using the tag line of encouragement, confidence and hope is once again restored; rather than the opposite of confirming error and responsibility. Without encouragement "I told you so" serves no purpose.

Questions to Ponder:

When was the last time you went against some really good advice and your decision turned out wrong. Did you have to endure a round of "I told you so"? Those four words can be really humiliating, but often are just what we need to hear when we don't pay attention to sound counsel.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.