The Young Ones

Until the young ones leave the nest, the Swallow and her mate have to be on stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Translated, it means a demanding and challenging task. Yet the Swallow and her mate would testify that it is also a rewarding task. The reward comes when they see their young ones go on to maturity and grow to love the Lord God.

Hebrews 6 : 1 (NIV)
...let us go on to maturity...

As mentioned in the Swallow's blog "Passing the Baton", raising her young ones is a fine balance between love and fear of authority.  When her young ones question her and her mate's decisions, it is important that the young ones understand that though their parents will listen to their opinions, ultimately the decision will be made by their parents.

Such was the case when it came to choosing a pet.  The young ones have, on numerous occasions, raised their need for a pet or two.  However, their ideas of having a pet is because "they are so cute"...  Their parents have other ideas..."pets = maintenance = work".  Also, fur-allergy runs in the family.  As a compromise,  the parents put up their criteria for pets

• non-furry creatures
• minimal attention required
• low or minimal maintenance

How glad the parents were when their young ones understood their reasons for disallowing most of the pet choices, but finally saying yes to one of them.

The choice agreeable on both sides?  Fish!