First time obediance

is a very hard thing to teach a child, it goes against their nature. We are trying to instill in our kids that when we call them or ask them to do something they should have a good attitude and do it right away. Now I would say that this actually happens about 65% of the time for Jolene, maybe 40% for Adele, Gideon about 5% (haha just kidding).

Sometimes I can tell that this idea is not so popular with others. I have seen the eyes roll when I ask my kids to do something and then have to discipline. I have heard people mention that it seems unrealistic. Or that it is just too hard.

I agree that it is hard and that sometimes it does seem like a goal that will never be obtained. I for one however am very thankful that we are trying to teach this, especially after this past week.

I took the kids out for a walk this past week. We just went down our path a bit. We live in a city that loves fences, the higher the better. Almost every house has a fence and usually they are high enough to obstruct any view of the driveway.

Jolene was running ahead of us when I heard the car start in the driveway she was running up to. I yelled at her to stop and come back to me. Thankfully she obeyed right away. She did not stop to ask questions but turned and came back. A few second later a car backed out at full speed and did not stop until it reached the street. The lady realized what could have happened and rolled down her window, "sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I'm glad you were."

Nice lady, real nice...I wanted to say. Inside I was just thanking God that Jolene had obeyed right away. It could have been a different story otherwise.

I am very thankful that through Christ we are given the grace to keep working on this because sometimes it seems impossible. I am also thankful that God has given the girls responsive hearts.

People may think we are being hard on them sometimes. Better than ending up in the hospital or worse. It is hard work but we are told to teach our children obedience. This past week shows me why the hard work is worth it.