A parent will sometimes capitulate to a child’s mood, discomfort, confusion, illness or erratic schedule. Mommy or Daddy knows that such concessions are temporary and in deference to present circumstances. Parents are aware that what they count as an allowance, the child might count as a precedent.

When granting ourselves slack to accommodate difficult or unusual situations becomes easier and more frequent, we should be concerned. We should take steps to return to the order and focus we believe to be healthy and good for us.

In matters of faith, a long discipline in the same direction advances our intended purposes. An increasing readiness to capitulate to whims and distractions signals that we’ve likely gone adrift. If we reflect a little more deeply we may admit that we’ve done so, willingly.

To recalibrate we simply remember what we know to be essential to us. Then, invite the winds of refreshment - thanksgiving, praise, meditation, blessing - to blow upon us and within us again.

Parents know that for their children to realize the good plans they have for them, they must stay the course. Sometimes we need to be our own parents.

We muster fire, smoke and swords to win some battles. Yet, it’s a long race too - this walk of faith - and slow and steady surely gets you through.