Keep my commands

We are in a season of life right now, with kids that are 7 (soon 8), 5, and 2 (soon 3). They are wonderful little people, the absolute joy of my life. Each has such a unique personality and perspective on life, and I am SO thankful for the opportunity to be daddy to them. Daily, we have moments when there is a communication breakdown between daddy and child. Often it centers around a command to so something -- put something away, pick something up, brush some teeth, do not climb the cupboards, stop touching your sister, please keep your fingers out of your nose, keep them out of my nose...Moments occur when there is an "ok Dad" and it's all good. More often it is ignored, or there is outright rebellion -- a little body on the floor, some talk back, or the dreaded "No." I had no idea how quickly that would push my buttons. (Mom and Dad, I am sorry...) What to do?

Reading in Jeremiah today, about the Recabites. This was a family that had been commanded by their forefather, Jonadab, not to drink wine, build houses, plant fields, but rather to live as nomads. They had kept this command for generations...and kept it even when Jeremiah invited them in at God's request to share the table and drink some wine togther...they refuse, and God then uses their example to speak a truth to Jeremiah about the Israelites regarding the importance of keeping a command and how their failure to do so would lead to pain and suffering. Jonadab's family, however, because of their willingness to keep a command, would forever have a man in the tree that would serve God.

I am amazed at how simple obedience and doing what you say you will do benefits us...it gives me pause as I consider my own life, and encouragement to patiently continue teaching my little ones how to keep a command, as it will only serve to better them as people and followers of Jesus...