You reap what you sow

I have been going through old pictures and files tonight, trying to find something for a dear friend. I came across an infamous video in the Nickles' archive- in which so many feelings flooded over me. Most of which, led me to a gut wrenching laugh. I will share that video with you in a bit.

When I came home from college for special weekends or holidays, it was awesome. Lots of what happened, was MY favorite meal, ME picking the movie for movie night, and ME getting first shower in the mornings, therefore, using all the hot water. It rocked- I'm sure my younger siblings were not as thrilled I was home, as I was.

 I have always stirred trouble at home with my brother and sister. I provoke and prod them in just the right ways for chaos to outbreak and for it to look like I've done absolutely nothing... that's talent people!

When I was home for Christmas my sophomore year, my family was sitting around the dinning room table talking about youtube. Surprise! Welcome to a 21st century conversation around the dinner table. We were talking about a video we had seen in which people tried to swallow spoonfuls of cinnamon. It isn't possible. Go try it, and if you do, please video it so I can see your attempt. (We could have a church-wide challenge.)

Wilson, being 11, was VERY confident that he could, despite the statistics, swallow a spoonful. Laura Coleman and I prodded him and said "yeah, wilson you probably could!", in hopes he would try and give us a good laugh. My parents put a VERY quick end to that challenge. They said no, you will not try, you will not touch him, you will not bribe him, you will not try it...

We kept talking about it, and they became angry. SO, we dropped it. But, secretly, we knew we were going to try it. (SOWING)

So, we were taking plates into the kitchen, traffic flowing in and out of the kitchen and we stole three things without anyone looking:

A tablespoon
A cup
A container of Cinnamon

We casually trickled upstairs to the bathroom off of my brother's room that was in the process of being painted and revamped. That bathroom was tiny. We crowded in the bathroom, and then began this:

(PS, I don't think this video plays on tablets or smartphones, only plays on computers. SO 2008, I know.)

Well, go figure we got caught. We were laughing and shrieking! But, now, this video is infamous at our house. Let me tell you, in the period of this one minute video I had never been so fearful of my parents. Hence, why I was not giving the LOUD and abrupt demands like my sister.  I knew I was defying them, WE were defying them and I had been the ring leader. At the end of this video, you see Wilson's eyes get really big and the camera quickly shuts off. We had been caught. I was grounded- yes, grounded as a sophomore in college. I had never had my car taken away, but, after this, you better believe I did.. for a good portion of my vacation at home.

I thought I could overstep the boundaries my parents had laid for us JUST because I was home from college- the law didn't apply to me! The prodigal child had returned, right? Wrong.

They still had and have the same expectations, and I totally disregarded them. Because I was lying, disobeying, and then leading my siblings in the same unexceptional behavior, I reaped the worst punishments I have ever had dealt.

My parents taught me this concept at a young age, and I thought as their college-aged daughter, they didn't really apply to me at home anymore.  From what I have heard, y'all had a great conversation about this in Sunday school on Sunday. I'm so looking forward to moving on through the Boundary laws with all of you, and maybe add some real Nickles-life commentary. I am living proof that teaching and reminding these laws to your children is vital!

Come back to the Crossroads class Sunday, as we talk about the law of Power- and how we teach this concept to your children. This may be one of the hardest ones to teach, come as we challenge and wrestle through it as a community! See y'all at 9:30 on Sunday.