Baggage

A local radio show host spoke of his close relationship to his father in law.  While explaining their ability to communicate so freely and get along so well, he made reference to the fact that the father in law's relationship to him was perhaps closer than some of his own children, "because of baggage."

Hmmm.  Doesn't that highlight the need for a parent to be Christ-like, gracious, loving, understanding and compassionate to the children?  We sacrifice those attributes too often so we can be firm, preventative and corrective.  Behavior is emphasized over faith.  We have a better chance of getting it right when we become a grandparent.

When the Lord personally addressed one of His followers about something didn't He usually highlight a lack of faith?

A dear friend alienated one of his daughters and damaged his relationship with the other by his reaction to what was wrong with their character when they were younger.  Now that he is a grandparent, he was able to pour out his heart in letters to both daughters and much of the baggage has been left behind.

The Bible doesn't address a solution specifically for baggage issues that were created by parents.
But, it does.
Just like absolutely everything else we have to trust that He is enough.