Those who plant in tears will harvest SHOUTS OF JOY. They weep as they plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the HARVEST.



Psalm 126:5-6

Monday, January 7, 2008

Obey Your Elders

As you look at this title we all know that when we have young children we try to teach them how to live in life like a civilized human being. Along with teaching them to Love God, love others, and live out the Golden Rule. Well it seems like the word that is most often used in our house is "OBEY."


Lately we have been talking to the girls about how they have to respect and obey not only God and their parents but also their elders. We tell the younger children that an elder is someone who is older than them and they need to obey them just like they do Mom and Dad. Now when we tell them this we don't mean some freak out on the street. We try to explain it to them as Grandparents older people anyone in an authority position. I am sure you get the point.

Well today we had just started school and I had everyone settled working on their assignments for the day. I went down stairs to bring a load of laundry up to fold while the kids were doing school and when I got up here the three year old was screaming at the top of her lungs. I wasn't even sure who she was mad at she was just screaming "NO YOUR NOT."

Then I heard the 5 year old saying, "Yes I am."

In a not so calm voice I asked, "What is going on?"

The three year old with big tears in her eyes said, "She told me I was little and I had to obey her because she is my elder."

This mysterious little person who thinks she is an elder is our 5 year old who is only 18 months older than her little sister.

I couldn't help but laugh and figured I need to have a new talk about obeying elders and make sure they know it does not mean big sisters.

9 comments:

Nana C said...

Well little miss 5 year old, that just made me my bust out laughing, and then we both read it again together. What a hoot! And how we love them. Nana C

Nana C said...

P.S. on the comment I just left, I guess I need to proofread before sending, oh well. Nana C

Tanya said...

It is amazing how children caught on to certain things. That is precious and it make me chuckle. Of course they are little angels who fill our day with love and laughter.

Anonymous said...

How funny is that - we always tell Ali, when we are gone, you're in charge, you're not the BOSS. In our house this sets a defining line. In charge establishes 'responsibility' whereas BOSS establishes 'control'. Hard line to walk, even for me!!!!

Heather said...

Absolutely hysterical!!! I would've lost it, too. Aren't kids just awesome??? They really come up with the best stuff.

~We are all led to the truth for which we are ready~ said...

Go Creighton!!!! Oh, wait...that was NOT nice...hee hee hee...love you Monkey.....

Becky said...

That is one mighty young elder. How very cute!!! : )

Kellan said...

Yes, these things should most certainly be clarified. Funny story. Take care. Kellan

Unknown said...

Yeah, things like this are one of many hard, hard things about being a parent. Our oldest is 14 and the issues change, but still hard things like that...you say one thing and they take it literally and take it to heart (which you want), but they don't have the maturity to understand the nuances of the command.