My parents always taught me to be truthful and to admit my wrongs. Nevertheless, there were times when I did wrong, but because of fear, would hide, or try to cover up my wrong. I, like Ezra, felt “too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face.” I just couldn’t look my parents in the eye.

My parents, of course, always found out sooner or later and confronted me about the matter. I was fortunate, though, that my parents followed God’s example and always punished me less than my sins deserved. As a result, I not only survived my childhood, but also learned to be thankful to God for His kindness and mercy.

Mercy is as beautiful in time of trouble as rain clouds in a time of drought.
- Ecclesiasticus 35:20, Goodspeed