Summary: "Are your mom and dad going to let you go to Jenny's all-night party?" Madison's friend Leslie asked as the girls walked home. "No, and I'm not even sure why not," said Madison. "I forgot about it, so when Dad dropped me off this morning, Iasked him if I could go. He just said they didn't want me to. I was late, and there wasn't time to talk any more about it." "My parents said no at first, too," replied Leslie, "but I told them that was unfair and that they never trust me! I kept at 'em, and they gave in and said I could go." She grinned. "Why don't you tell your mom and dad how unfair they're being? Maybe they'll change their minds, too!" Madison 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, she saw her dog sitting in their driveway. "Lady got out!" exclaimed Leslie. "I wonder if somebody 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 Madison. "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 Madison 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." How About You? How do you respond when your parents say no to something you want? Do you get angry or upset? Remember that God has placed you under the care of adults--usually parents, but sometimes grandparents or other guardians. He has given them the responsibility of making many decisions for you until you're older. And He has given you the responsibility of obeying them. So even when you don't understand the reasons for all they say and do, trust them and obey. Today's Key Verse: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (Colossians 3:20) Today's Key Thought: Accept your parents' decisions
