"I don't know why I should always be plagued with troubles," said Mrs. Lavendar. "Every time I go out somewhere, that rear tire is flat and I have to get it inflated. My son also is a real concern to me. Every time he has a problem, he comes running home."

"The tire probably needs vulcanizing," said Mr. Black. "It has a small leak somewhere that's hard to detect. As for your son, I don't know what you can do about him."

It was true that the tire had disappointed Mrs. Lavendar too many times. It needed to be removed from the car or have major repair. The young son also needed a major change to be cut loose from his mother's apron strings.

His domineering mother had treated him as a god in his childhood and he could do no wrong. After he was married, her hold on him proved a major detriment to his marriage. It was impossible for his wife to please him and he ran home frequently to be pampered and consoled by his mother.

Our children are not equipped to face life when parents are over solicitous. We need to grow in our own faith, develop individual courage, gain justifiable self-confidence and meet the challenges of life with sound judgment. Experience is a good teacher along with helpful guidance. Our momentary defeats may be turned into long-term achievements.