Children are a gift from God – at times – and our beautiful kids can take us to the mountain top and into the valley in a split second, depending on their mood and intention.

Our middle son – which may have been left on our doorstep by gypsies – said to me one day, "Dad, I have a terrible fear that one day I may look like you." That hurt. Then our daughter – the best of the litter – said to me on my birthday, "Well, I guess you are on the downhill side of the mountain and sliding fast." When I redo my will, they will get squat. I believe that is a technical tern in lawyer lingo.

Then I look at our firstborn – the standard bearer according to psychologists – who could be some prestigious pillar of the community. I weep.

"Why?" you ask.

Well, the phone rang and a lady's voice asked, "Is this Rev. Bressler?"

"Yes, tis I."

"I just wanted to know that you'd be there. I'm so relieved. Our daughter said it would be fine. Goodbye."

At that very moment, son John walked in.

"Hi, folks. I figured I'd help you pack and send you on to Florida for your Thanksgiving get-together with your friends."

"Oh, son of ours, what is that pile of napkins and utensils and rolls of plastic runners?"

"Oh, well, Dad, that stuff is to put down so we don't spill crumbs or carelessly drip hot chocolate on the carpet. You've always told us kids to be careful."

Julie jumped up and said, "That's it! I can't take any more of this crapola!"

I believe that is the word she used. I moved quietly to the far side of the room. Snow job coming from our son.

"You have always taught me to be creative and earn my own way. My fraternity brothers and I came up with this fool-proof plan. We are going to have a Thanksgiving party for those unfortunates who can't go home for the holiday because they are orphans or lost their clothes and money during the recent dorm fires. It is so tragic. The college president was very moved. You are great understanding parents, so get going down to Florida. Love you."

We missed our trip, but we saved our home and the party was over by four the next morning. It took me a week to clean up all the cans and bottles from our neighbor's yards and our good name was slandered for many a moon. Every Thanksgiving evening, for the next three years, every homeowner in the five-block radius would put up a sign reading, "Down with Presbyterians," and set it on fire. We have learned to forgive them over the years. Our son made all of five dollars on the whole deal.

All you parents have a story to tell. You are not alone and you will survive and your kids will change the world for the best.

After all, God gave them to us and He doesn't make mistakes.

Thanks, God!