I recall he once told me to be home “by 1800 hours” (six o’clock p.m.). I arrived back withmyfriendsat1803,threeminuteslate. Dadwaswaitingformeoutsidethefrontdoor,with his walking stick in his hand. In full view of all the neighbours, he walked into the middle of the street, and promptly proceeded to thrash me with his stick for my disobedience.
“We havehadfathersaccordingto our flesh,whocorrected us–andwegavethemrespect! Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they truly chastened us for a few days, according to their own pleasure. But He for our profit, so that we might becomepartakersofHisholiness. Nownochasteningat thepresentseemsto bejoyous– but grievous! Nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it.” Hebrews 12:9-11.