From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday October 1, 2008
By Dr James Dobson
Smithsonian magazine once featured a master stone carver from England named Simon Verrity, a man who honed his craft by restoring 13th century cathedrals in Great Britain.
As the authors watched him work, they noticed something very interesting. They wrote: “Verrity listens closely to hear the song of the stone under his careful blows. A solid strike and all is well. A higher-pitched ping and it could mean trouble. A chunk of rock could break off. He constantly adjusts the angle of the chisel and the force of the mallet to the pitch, pausing frequently to run his hand over the freshly-carved surface.”
Verrity understood well the importance of the task. He knew that one wrong move could be devastating, causing irreparable damage to his work of art. His success was rooted in his ability to read the signals his stones were sending out.
In the same way, parents need to hone their skills at listening to their children, especially during times of discipline and guidance. It takes a great deal of patience and sensitivity to discern how the child is responding. If you listen carefully, your boys and girls will tell you what they’re thinking and feeling.
So, whether shaping a child’s character or sculpting in stone, the skills needed are crucial to a successful outcome. The skilful honing by a master carver will create a beautiful work of art.
Wednesday October 1, 2008
By Dr James Dobson
Smithsonian magazine once featured a master stone carver from England named Simon Verrity, a man who honed his craft by restoring 13th century cathedrals in Great Britain.
As the authors watched him work, they noticed something very interesting. They wrote: “Verrity listens closely to hear the song of the stone under his careful blows. A solid strike and all is well. A higher-pitched ping and it could mean trouble. A chunk of rock could break off. He constantly adjusts the angle of the chisel and the force of the mallet to the pitch, pausing frequently to run his hand over the freshly-carved surface.”
Verrity understood well the importance of the task. He knew that one wrong move could be devastating, causing irreparable damage to his work of art. His success was rooted in his ability to read the signals his stones were sending out.
In the same way, parents need to hone their skills at listening to their children, especially during times of discipline and guidance. It takes a great deal of patience and sensitivity to discern how the child is responding. If you listen carefully, your boys and girls will tell you what they’re thinking and feeling.
So, whether shaping a child’s character or sculpting in stone, the skills needed are crucial to a successful outcome. The skilful honing by a master carver will create a beautiful work of art.
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