Detention

I have a story to share with you.

It's about how God sees our hearts. It's about why the "sin" or wrong doing isn't more important or greater than our hearts position. It's a story of grace. It's a story of redemption. And it has to do with detention.

Remember detention from High School? The little pink or yellow slip you'd get from the principal? I do because I got it several times for skipping school and leaving the premises during the day when I shouldn't have. I wasn't a bad kid and rarely got in trouble, but I didn't really care about following the rules my senior year, and I ditched a lot.

My daughter on the other hand? Ah, um....she's like the definition of good student, she's the definition of a leader, she's actually an over achiever. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know what a great kid my girl is. She gets straight A's, she's got her hands in 10 different things, has a job, and is admired by her peers and teachers. That's why when she came home a couple of weeks ago urgently telling me she had to tell me something, and that that something was that she got detention, I was shocked.

I saved Madelynn's original slip for my scrapbook--she actually asked if I wanted to save it LOL! But I am not good at scanning etc. . so I went with this.

When she first told me my jaw dropped, I was folding laundry and I just stopped. I didn't freak out, but my voice got high, I wasn't loud, I mean my pitch got high. I simply said,

 "You??? How is that possible, what on earth?!!"

Here is the deal. TRY TO FOLLOW ME HERE. She had been in an area of the school where there is open pods where you can study(she had fallen behind on homework for various reasons, and is a perfectionist about getting it done on time which is why she skipped Band). One of the principals (there are 3) that she is pals with saw her there when she was suppose to be in Band. He stopped by and asked jokingly and kindly...

"Now you've got a pass to be out here don't cha Mady? You aren't skippin class to be studying here are you?" 

She said, "Of course not, I have a slip from Mr.Lutz (she actually did have a slip to be out of class but it was expired, it was from the other day, and she knew it. She knew she was lying. She did not have a pass or a slip to be out in that pod studying, she was suppose to be in Band).

The principal of course believed her, because he had no reason not too! So he carried on and walked away.

Here are Madelynn's exact words to me:

"Mom, I just knew it. I knew that I was lying. I knew that I was wrong. The minute he walked away, I felt it in my gut that it was wrong, and my heart just sank. I knew I had to find him as soon as possible and come forward with what the truth really was: my pass was expired, I skipped band, and I used a teacher's name I shouldn't have 
I disrespected the principal, and my band teacher. 3 people I affected, and I can't live with that. So the next hour I went to the principals office and told him that I had been lying! I told him I got behind on homework and I wanted to skip Band so I could catch up. I told him that I was sorry for lying to his face. But Mom he had to give me detention--he even said, "Mady, you know what I gotta do right?"
Then I went to Mr. Lutz and told him I used his name, and said that I had had a pass from him when I didn't, and I apologized to him. And he understood and said don't worry about it but thanked me for telling him the truth. 
Then I had to go to Dr. Jacobson, my band teacher and tell him what I had done. And I apologized to him for skipping class. They were all understanding, and I appreciated it but now I need a ride tomorrow morning at 6:30am because I don't have time in my schedule to do after school detention (I burst out laughing here)!!!"


So, here's the deal...I did not punish Madelynn! After hearing her humble heart and how she handled the whole thing, how could I?! This girl never ceases to blow my mind with her heart! I saw and heard her heart and God sees her heart! God is concerned and so I am with the heart. It's always a heart matter. Why?
Because this story could be any kid in school, and some kids, maybe even a lot of kids, would just carry on knowing that they lied and not even care, or bother fessing up. Madelynn couldn't go 5 minutes without knowing that her heart was in the wrong position. She knew what she had done, and not only that, she made the effort to make it right on all levels!!! God isn't, or neither am I, more concerned about the act as much, but the heart! Our hearts getting right before God and ourselves is what is key. Sure the wrong doing matters, it's wrong, but when we can get the position of our hearts straightened out that is a beautiful thing. It's why God tells us that if we hate someone, it's the same as murder in His eyes. 

The heart change toward goodness is what we all ought to aim for. Because if Madelynn had just carried on with her day and even the week without recognizing or even caring that what she did was wrong, or maybe she'd know, but not do anything to correct it, then typically nothing ever changes; by the heart turning toward what's good and pure we start to grow and change for the better.. And that diffuses the "crime".

"Man looks at outward appearance, God looks at the heart." 
1 Samuel 16:7

I told Madelynn how very proud I was of her and how impressed I was with how she handled it all. It showed her maturity and humility--these are qualities I've been working to instill in her since day one--it's incredible to see the fruits of my labor, and God working in her life!

Thanks for reading my detention story---It isn't easy admitting that my daughter got detention, but with a redemption story like this, how could I not share!?!

P.S. Something really cool that has happened since? The main principal in the High School went to one of Madelynn's class's yesterday and asked to pull her out for a few minutes. She had no idea what it could be for. Turns out he asked her what she was doing Friday night. She told him awkwardly, "Ah, not much I guess....just being glad school is out." He then went on to ask her if she'd like to sit with the Seniors at the graduation ceremony, and then be one of the people that hands out diploma's! She was so excited, and had actually been hoping to do this since Freshman year! What an honor!

Talk to you soon, have a good day~



Comments

talk about conviction! I pray i raise my children to have the same kind of heart for truth! beautiful story :)
Julie Marie said…
how on earth did you raise this girl, gina?? i am trying for the life of me to figure out how to get my son EVER admit he was wrong. he got suspended from school 2x (he is 8) in the last month...and has been a problem the whole year, but he is ALWAYS blaming someone else...from other students, to the devil, to saying "why didnt God make me more like Claire?"...he even blamed adam and eve...haha... he has zero repentance,nor does he even see that he is responsible for his own actions. its beyond frustrating and i get nervous for when he grows older with this mindset... i really am at a loss without the wisdom of God.. these things frighten me as i watch my sweet babies grow up...
you're heart is so gentle and sincere, she cant help be like you, im sure...
definitely need God's guidance in raising these kids...sigh...
Kate said…
You're such a great mom, do you know that? I sure hope people have been telling you lately! ;)
Kelly said…
Gina the two of you are so beautiful inside and out, and God's glory so abundantly shines forth.
Great Job MOM!!!
Love You!
Mandy Crandell said…
You're an amazing mom who raised a really incredible kid. You remind me a lot of my mom. I would have done the exact same thing as Madelynn. I physically cannot lie.

http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/
JackieShoemaker said…
My heart smiled when I read this story! You have such a beautiful young lady, and it's amazing to hear how honest she chose to be. God works through us, and in us, and I'm happy to see your daughter is so blessed. :)
SymbioticLife said…
She's a great kid and you've done a wonderful job raising her. Well done to both of you!
Liza said…
God is actively at work in your daughter! How wonderful! You've done such a wonderful job raising her. This story just touches my heart.

I only wish I could have a similar story of my daughter one day. One of repentance and making the right decision, even if it isn't the easy one.
Jean said…
what a sweetheart! i can see where she gets it from ;)
Krista said…
What a special girl indeed! She handled that better than anyone I know would, probably including me! She has such a beautiful heart which shows what a wonderful job you have done in guiding her.

I think it was very good of you to share this story and show us what a beautiful heart she has for God.
Elisha said…
wow. you have a FANTASTIC daughter!! you, gina, are AMAZING! :)

x.
You should be a PROUD mama! What a cutie you've raised! :)
his little lady said…
oh my gosh, she is too cute for words! good for her for knowing what's right. you have a great daughter!!
xo TJ
Unknown said…
Incredible young lady - such a moving story!
Nicole said…
You had no reason to punish her. In every which way what she was doing for the best even if she did miss class. You are a great mom Gina!!!!!!!!!!
all I can saw is that I pray my daughters turn out to be just like yours!

you must be doing a whole lotta things right :) !
Another of your posts that brought tears to my eyes! What a strong testament to what a great parent you have been Gina! knowing this about her heart should give you solace during the rocky teenage times...you have done your job...and well. Congratulations to the both of you! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Caitlin C. said…
You are an amazing mother! What an awesome post, and your daughter truly is inspiring. You should be so proud of her humility!
Sue Masterjohn said…
LIKE! That's my Madz!
erika said…
I loved this story. So cool. You're an awesome mother, and she's an awesome daughter!
Emily said…
What an awesome chick,love to read stories like this!
NZ said…
And to think how delighted the Lord was through her obedience! What a heart checker...thanks for sharing :)
Mary said…
this is the best thing i have read in a long time!
thank you so much for sharing this.
the character that you have instilled in your daughter by the grace of God is a very rare occurence these days.
oh, how i pray that my children will exude these same qualities of a tender heart, repentance, and TRUE character. by the grace of God and Him alone.
i fail so often.
YOU are a GREAT mama. love you!
Unknown said…
Wow what a story! My mouth is on the floor. I hope that if God blesses us with a daughter she will have that kind of conviction. She is such a sweetheart!

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