Day #9
Deuteronomy 6:17
Are the holidays stressful?
Do you feel like you’re the only one working to get everything done? Today’s character quality, diligence, will ensure that the whole family learns to work together until everything is completed and no one feels overworked!
The dictionary defines diligence as careful and persistent work or effort. I don’t know about you, but carefulness and persistence just don’t seem to come naturally to anyone in our family… Me included! However, it’s that very diligence that will ensure that we function well as a family unit. Everyone’s efforts to work diligently will build our family identity and lessen family conflict.
For many years our family motto was this: “We are the Scheibners and we work hard!” Just saying the motto was sometimes the only reminder we needed to keep going and get our work completed.
Sometimes, though…..
Setting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house for Christmas was one of those times when diligence was especially needed. In our home, too often everyone would be excited to bring the tree in and set it up, but when the tedious jobs of untangling lights and setting up window candles reared their ugly heads… suddenly my husband and I found ourselves deserted.
Hanging special ornaments was fun and exciting, but untangling lights… Not so much!
Teaching our children to practice diligence before we encounter those decorating debacles will alleviate stressful situations. It isn’t just a matter of sending our children back to do things over. No, we need to take the time to name the character quality, (Diligence) and then, we need to teach into the importance of developing that virtue.
Developing diligence will serve our children well throughout their lives. Those who are characterized by a diligent work ethic will always be able to find employment. They will become the trusted workers that employers are so desperately seeking.
Diligence will assist them in their school endeavors, athletic challenges, and relationships.
Diligence isn’t some boring character quality to be endured! Our kids will only think diligence is boring if we make it a matter of expected work, without tangible rewards. Reward your kids as you see them incorporating diligent character. Praise them with your words and set out goals that they can reach through their diligent choices. When they reach those goals, make it a time of celebration.
As our families work faithfully to develop diligence in matters of earthly importance, we mustn’t neglect taking the time necessary to establish habits of spiritual diligence. Developing diligent habits of prayer, bible reading, and scripture memorization will arm us for every situation we face.
Do you want your family to stand out for their high quality character? Take the time to develop diligence!
Megan
Megan Scheibner 