We had a little visitor overnight and for the following day. I hadn't given much thought beforehand about my computer and the things that surround it: bookshelves, a printer, a huge stockpile of works that didn't make the cut, and pages printed with what other people had written. The drawer in my desk is filled with pencils, pens, paper clips, and coloured markers. You name it; I've got it.

When this little one — four years old — had never touched a thing in my room, I didn't think much about it, until she said something about her mother's office.

It was then it hit me.

Her mother works at home, doing a large amount of work posting on her computer. Any time I have seen her office, it has been littered with various piles of paper everywhere. I know this room in their house would definitely be off limits for this little one. I believe she somehow associated my room with her mother's, and as a result, she was treating mine and all its contents with respect.

How many people in this world today know absolutely nothing about respecting other people's possessions! Every day we hear about shootings, stabbings, swarmings, and street racing, very often taking lives. Those who do such things show little respect for others or for themselves. Is it a lack of training right from the cradle that breeds disobedience and such a lack of respect and love for one another?

2 Timothy 1:5 – I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (NIV)

John 15:10 – If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. (NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for Your people who, through neglect or lack of teaching, have become disobedient not only to You, but to their own humankind. Enable us to take the time with our children to teach obedience, respect, and love for You, O God, and for one another. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Anne Russell <annerussell80@gmail.com>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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