Life in Idioms

The idiom of the day is "Don't cry over spilled milk". Although this idiom finds its origins in American folklore surrounding appeasing "house sprites", the current cultural significance and meaning is of greater importance. In today's culture crying over spilled milk refers to being upset over something that has happened that you have no power or ability to change. Most often, we think of this idiom with regard to small insignificant instances such as spilling a glass of milk. In less significant circumstances, this idiom is easily applied to our lives as well as to parenting. However, when faced with more meaningful situations, it is increasingly difficult to apply this mentality.

For instance, when our kids are having trouble in school, it is easy to tell them that their problem is so unique and meaningful when in fact, the child may need to learn to let go and move on. Working at an elementary school, I am exposed to numerous grudge holding situations. Bobby pulled Susy's hair in kindergarten and now they are in 2nd grade and Suzy still talks about it. This is crying over spilled milk if I have ever seen it. We need to teach our children to forgive those who oppose them. We need to teach our children to show love to those who persecute them.

In Matthew 5:39, Jesus very clearly teaches us not to cry over spilled milk. In Matthew 5:39 Jesus says, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." Jesus was continually pressed and persecuted on all sides. If he spent his entire time on the earth crying over these persecutions, he wouldn't have had any time to do the work of forgiveness that He came for. You see, Jesus understood that there are evil people in the world and no one will ever overcome them by vengeance. Instead, we must combat evil with the love and forgiveness of Christ. 

Lets teach our children not to cry over spilled milk. Lets teach our children to show love and compassion to all people... even the ones that pull our hair.