“You give me no choice but to call your parents now, kids,” the guard of a busy business center said firmly to Pepe and Gilbert. “This is the third time I’m asking you both not to skateboard in front of this building. It’s dangerous! This is not the right place for that.”

Samuel, the guard, was a middle-aged man who was a friend of the boys’ parents. They all live in the same block, and they were all very active in their neighborhood’s association.

When the two set of parents arrived, Pepe’s dad was the first one to talk in an authoritative but soft and loving voice, “Pepe, your mother and I have told you several times not to skateboard in this area…what were you thinking?”

Pepe’s mother looked at her son sternly, “Let’s go home, we need to talk.”

Gilbert’s mom interrupted while caressing her son on his head, “It’s okay sweetheart, it’s okay…you can skateboard wherever you want.”

Gilbert’s dad looked at his son with a smile, “You have the right to skateboard wherever you feel like son…besides, this is public space anyway.”  

Later that afternoon, after Pepe’s long conversation with his parents, he went to his room to think about all that had just happened.

“I envy Gilbert’s parents,” Pepe mumbled to himself. “They love him enough to let him enjoy himself. So cool!”

“What am I hearing?” The Holy Spirit said in alarm as He became visible with a loud ‘poof.’

“Oh dear, oh dear…” Jesus said sadly while showing himself to Pepe too.

The Father also made himself visible to Pepe with tears of sadness going down his cheeks. He had no words. He had a huge pain in his heart!

Jesus added, “Parents who love God, who really have us–God­–in their hearts, will discipline you for your own good…and they will do that because they have our love and wisdom in them. We charge them to ‘…bring [you] up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’” [Ephesians 6:4]

The Father finally spoke, “’Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it.’” [Proverbs 15 :31-32] 

“Yes, I guess that makes sense…,” Pepe said thoughtfully, “but it’s no fun!” 

Jesus turned to face him with a big smile, “’No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.’” [Hebrews 12:11]

“And don’t forget our commandment,” the Father winked at Pepe. “‘Honor your mother and father…’” [Exodus 20:12]

Pepe’s face turned red from embarrassment since he had not only just disobeyed his parents, but he’d also not been respectful and nice to them when they talked to him so lovingly that afternoon.

“By the way,” the Holy Spirit jumped in, “some people will tell you that you don’t need to honor your mother and father. They will cancel the Word of God for the sake of their own believes and wants (Matthew 15:6).”  So be careful when that happens …don’t listen to them.

“Okay,” Pepe felt very sad that some people could do that.

“Mmm, let’s see…,” Jesus was pensive, “’children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children despise them’” [Proverbs 15:20].  So…do you have something to say to your parents now, Pepe?”

Pepe thought for a moment, and after a few seconds, he ran to the living room and jump into his parents’ arms. “I am so sorry, mom and dad! I love you very much! Thanks for correcting me today. I know how much you love me!”

Pepe’s parents hugged him immediately! Then, Pepe’s dad told him, “’The Lord corrects the people He loves and disciplines those He calls his own.’” [Hebrews 12:6]

After Pepe’s mom gave him a sweet kiss on his head, she told him that he should know that as they discipline him, God also disciplines them (Deuteronomy 8:5). Then she finished with, “’My child, don’t turn away or become bitter when the Lord corrects you. The Lord corrects everyone He loves, just as parents correct a child they dearly love.’” [Proverbs 3 :11-12]

At that moment the phone rang, and Pepe answered.

“Hey, Pepe…it’s me, Gilbert…” It seemed his friend was in pain.

“Hi Gilbert! What’s going on?” Pepe was curious.

“I just wanted to tell you that your parents were right about not letting you skateboard in that area. I’m at the hospital now…” Gilbert sounded lonely too.

“What?” Pepe was concerned.

“Yeah, I got into an accident. I almost hit an old lady entering the building, and when I swerved to miss her, I hit a fire hydrant and fell hard on the ground and had to be brought here for some stitches…ouch! It hurts! My skateboard shot out into the street and a truck ran over it.

Pepe noticed the Three Musketeers watching him as he talked to his friend. Holy Spirit spoke to Pepe’s heart, so Pepe said, “In Jesus name, I ask you Father God to please heal Gilbert quickly from his wounds and hurt!”

“Thanks for the prayer, dude!” Pepe heard Gilbert said as he hung up. Then he turned towards the Three Musketeers as they were making themselves invisible again, delighted with Pepe’s prayer request and change of heart towards his parents

Related Bible reading:
 
Ephesians 6 :2-3
Hebrews 12 :10
Proverbs 12 :1