God and His Children....
After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing God said to them was: "Don't."
"Don't what?" Adam asked.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit," said God.
"Forbidden fruit? Really? Where is it?" Adam and Eve both asked, jumping up and down excitedly.
"It's over there," said God, wondering why he hadn't stopped after making the elephants.
A few minutes later, God saw the kids having an apple break, and he was very angry.
"Didn't I tell you not to eat that fruit?" the first parent asked.
"Uh-huh", replied Adam.
"Then why did you do it?" God asked exasperatedly.
"I dunno," Adam answered.
GOD'S PUNISHMENT was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own.
Thus, the pattern was set, and it has never changed. But there is a reassurance in this story. If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give your children wisdom, and they haven't taken it, don't be so hard on yourself.
If GOD had trouble handling his children, what makes you think it should be a piece of cake for YOU???