MOM: Well, Butch, did you have a good time with dad yesterday.

BUTCH: Sure did.

MOM: What did you two do all day?

BUTCH: Well, since I broke the rules the other day I couldn't go with my friends so Dad and I went out to target practice.

MOM: Target practice?

BUTCH: Yes, target practice, with bows and arrows.

MOM: How did you do?

BUTCH: A lot better than dad to begin with.

MOM: Really? I didn't know you were that good.

BUTCH: I don't know if it was skill or luck, but I did hit the target with my first arrow.

MOM: So, you are saying dad didn't.

BUTCH: That's right. But by the time we were through Dad was hitting it pretty regularly. That's when he gave me a crooked arrow.

MOM: A crooked arrow? That sounds like it wouldn't be too good.

BUTCH: It wasn't. I aimed real careful and when I let go it went flying way over into the bushes. We left it and picked up the rest.

MOM: That was a good idea. Crooked arrows are not much good. That's why I don't want you to be one.

BUTCH: What are you talking about?

MOM: Well, in Psalm 127, God says that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man. God gives parents the job of keeping those arrows nice and straight. This is so important, because when we send you off on your own, you must be able to "hit the target by living a life that is pleasing to God.

BUTCH: You mean if we don't keep straightened out we could head in the wrong direction and end up in the bushes of life like that arrow yesterday.

MOM: That was the reason Dad grounded you. Trying to keep you straight.

BUTCH: I'm glad. I don't want to grow up crooked.

MOM: How about you boys and girls, do you submit to your parents when they punish you? Even when you feel they are too severe? God has given them the tremendously important job of raising you properly. They need to "straighten" you out when you start down the crooked path of sin. See you everyone.

BUTCH: Bye boys and girls.