This morning, Camden got yogurt out of the refrigerator; I told him to put it back because we were having apple muffins and eggs for breakfast. He didn't want to, but he brought it back and put it on the counter. Then he lay down in the floor and cried.
We as parents are often confronted with situations like this, the nature of which seem petty in retrospect. Something that's not petty though is teaching our children the importance of obedience.
Obedience is perceived as a nasty word in the society that we live in. In this time in which following your heart and feelings over all else is not only commonplace but encouraged, and in an era in which many don't believe in any form of absolute truth, obedience is scoffed at.
Yet times will come in all of our lives in which success in life can not be achieved without obedience, in school, at work, or in your walk with your Creator, for those who are blessed to have that.
One of the most empowering things that I've learned in my Christian walk is that I can act right even when I don't feel right. Such a simple notion, but one that so few actually grasp.
When we give in to our children even over the little things, we're setting them up to be self-centered whiners and complainers with no regard for anyone or anything beyond themselves.
When we require them to do the right thing, regardless of how they feel, we're teaching them that there are times in which they need to submit to authority.
The more they learn about God's love and his plans for their lives, not only will they learn that it's possible, but also that it's beneficial for them to submit to His authority.
It would be prudent for us all to partner with Him in the process.
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