NOVEMBER 1, Colossians 3:20

“Did your parents allow you to go to Jenny’s party?” asked Michelle’s friend, Leslie, as the girls were walking home from school.

“No, and I’m not even sure why not,” said Michelle. “When I asked Dad this morning, he just said he didn’t want me to go. As I was late for school, there wasn’t time for further discussion.”

“My parents said no at first, too,” replied Leslie, “but I kept telling them it was unfair of them not to trust me and they finally gave in.” She grinned. “Why don’t you tell that to your parents? They might change their minds, too!”

Michelle shook her head. “Don’t you think that when your parents tell you no it’s because they believe that’s what’s best for you?” she asked. She paused, then added, “I mean… I really trust my parents. I’m sure they want to make the right decisions for me and just have to say no sometimes.”

Leslie frowned. “Oh, that’s what they always say,” she muttered, “but I don’t believe it. I think it’s mean to boss kids around!”

When the girls turned to cross the street to Leslie’s house, they saw Leslie’s dog sitting in their driveway. “Lady got out!” exclaimed Leslie. “I wonder if somebody had left the gate open.” The dog looked their way, then jumped up and came running toward them. “Stop, Lady! No!” Leslie called out. Lady stopped right away. “Good dog!” approved Leslie when she reached her pet. “How did you get out?”

“You’re sure mean to Lady – keeping her penned up in the back yard most of the time!” said Michelle. “And like now… she just wanted to come across the street and meet you, but you wouldn’t let her. That’s mean!”

“Mean?” asked Leslie in surprise. “I’m not mean. Keeping her in the back yard keeps her safe. If I just let her run across the street, she might get hit by a car.” “So saying no was really for her good?” asked Michelle with a smile.

“Of course it…” Leslie stopped. “Okay… okay. I see your point,” she said. “I had to say no to Lady, and parents sometimes have to say no, too.”

Thought: How do you respond when your parents say no to something you want? Do you get angry or upset?

Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father for reminding me that You have placed me under the care of my parents and given me the responsibility of obeying them! So even when I don’t understand the reasons for all they say and do, help me to trust and obey them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.