I was out running errands today and stopped by Target. There were those huge red round cement balls in front of the store. As I was driving in, a mom and her kids were walking out. The older girl jumped up on it like leap frog. I have always wondered if they actually have a purpose, or if they are just there for people to play on. I parked the car and as I was walking to the entrance, a man and little girl came out. The little girl headed straight for the large red balls, but dad had a tight hold on her hand. She got closer and stretched and reached as much as she could, but dad was doing his best to keep her away. Then she started whining and digging her heals in. Her dad was insistent that she was not going to climb on them. Her retaliation got a little louder and to me it looked like it could turn into a full blown tantrum. When the father realized that his coaxing was not effective, he turned around and picked her up. He calmly told her that he said she was not going to play on the big ball, and to tell it goodbye. Instead of the screams that I was sure would follow, she said goodbye to the ball and they were on their way. I was so impressed with the stable, calm, persistent nature of this dad. Even though it was a small thing, he set the boundary and stuck to it. The little girl obviously respected her dad.

I Found God today in the persistence and calm authority of a dad that was met with a respectful daughter.