For the past 2 years, our son has loved to join our family in praying for the couples that attend our marriage conferences. Last year, he dressed in suit and tie to deliver an encouraging word: persevere with God, our marriage, our children & other married couples. This year, he brought confirmation of our teaching in an analogy from the full length Dr. Seuss movie, “The Lorax.”
Yes, The Lorax.
Last week, while on an impromptu walk through the neighborhood, our son began quoting the following scene:
Lorax: Which way does a tree fall?
Once-ler: Uh…down?
Lorax: A tree falls the way it leans…..careful which way you lean.
After reciting the dialogue several times, he paused, and then turned and said “mom, I think you and dad should use this for your conference.” Stunned, I blurted out “WHAT?!?”
Days later, our persistent 6 year old asked again, “mom, are you gonna use the Lorax for the conference?” This time he had my full attention. “Ok, now tell it to me again…”
Lorax: Which way does a tree fall?
Once-ler: Uh…down?
Lorax: A tree falls the way it leans…..careful which way you leeeeaaaaan (emphasis his!).
At first I feared that God was telling us to re-write our entire teaching a week before the conference! But then I realized, He was just confirming what He had planted in Doug’s heart months ago…..to teach & share a few of our struggles with _ _ _ _ _ (now you know I can’t tell you what it is- you’ve got to attend the conference to find out!)
This morning, as I was praying for the couples who are attending, and those who have yet to register for the conference, the Lord reminded me of the Lorax’s words, and then His own:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
Which way does a husband fall?
He falls the way he leans.
Which way does a wife fall?
She falls the way she leans.
Careful which way you lean.
Deep Into the Water 