My granddaughter Layla is four years old and attending Pre-school. She loves to go to school and play with all her friends. I was surprised the other day when I received a phone call from her. She was bawling her little eyes out. I asked her what was wrong. She explained to me through the sobs that she had gotten a red face. The teacher sends a folder home each day, containing papers the students have completed or important information for the parent’s. Her Father had opened the folder and found the paper. Surprised, because it was her first one…. he questioned her about it……she became very upset.
I asked her why she got a red face?
“Because I didn’t get off the tire swiiiiiing”….sob…sob…sob. So the teacher told you to get off the swing? I asked….“yes”…sob, sob. And you didn’t mind? “Nooooooooooo….sob, sob, sob. And I goooooot a RED faaaaaace”…..sob, sob, sob. “It broke my hearrrrrttttttt”…..sob,sob,sob…..booooo hoooooo….hoooooo……….”ohhhhhh….I’mmmm so SAAAAD” sob, sob, sob.
My goodness that is hard to sit and listen too. Yet, I know how important it is for her to obey. I, of course being a Mom and now a grandmother thought I should talk to her about what she could do differently next time. I asked her why she didn’t listen to the teacher and get off the swing. She said….“Because I didn’t want to get off……..I wanted to keep swiiiiiinging”….boooo hoooo….. “But now it makes me sooooo sad”……sob…. sob.
I told her that God wants us to obey. If we will do what we are supposed to do, we really are much happier. By disobeying and staying on the swing she ended up not being happy…even though she did what she wanted. I explained that the teacher was probably sad too…. because she doesn’t like to give red faces.
We talked a little more and the sobbing finally subsided. She told me that next time……. she was going to get off that swing. Sniff… Sniff….
Later, I was studying my lesson for a new Bible Study Class I am attending. We just so happen to be studying Adam and Eve. We are at the part where they chose to disobey God. As I reflected back on the conversation with Layla ….it helped put things in a different light. Helping me to relate on a personal level. I suppose with age I have become, well…… calloused….. to the wrongs that I do. I couldn’t help but wonder when was the last time I had a broken heart over disobeying God. When was the last time doing something wrong brought me to tears, or the last time I sobbed, over doing wrong. How long has it been since I took sin that seriously.
Then, I thought about how hard it was to listen to Layla cry. Her little heart was so heavy, once she realized the consequence of her actions. From just listening to her…it broke my heart. Even though I knew she was having to learn this hard lesson for her own good.
I thought about God….how His heart must break when He hears our cries…Especially after we realize the consequences of our actions. Why do we choose to learn… the hard way? Knowing that we usually aren’t happy…until we do what is right.
Layla went to school the next day….smiling and ready to try harder. She was careful to mind. She had a great day and came home with a green face! She and the teacher were very happy! Of course so was I!
I know I am happiest when I live according to God’s guidelines. He made me…..He knows what is best for me.
I hope that I too will be more mindful like Layla. And before I choose to do wrong the next time…I pray I will think twice.
Sin breaks God’s heart…. it should break mine too.
So, I thought I was going to give Layla wise words of wisdom……but it seems that she lived her example out, and it spoke volumes to me.
I suppose we are never too young or too old to learn from one another. Thanks Layla.
I've Gone Country 