First sleepover and Saying NO!

Well, B had her very first sleepover this weekend.



I have to say, I had some reservations.
She is only in second grade.
Not even 8 years old.

I don't think I had my first sleepover until at least 3rd or 4th grade.

I would have said NO but I already said NO last year when she was invited to this very same girl's sleepover party. I think I would have destroyed my daughter if I'd refused again this year. Plus, I really love the parents and trust them.



So, it all went well. I think the girls stayed up until after midnight and were up by 6:45 am. Those poor parents - brave souls!



She was so tired yesterday and everything was a bigger deal. The biggest deal being that I would not allow her to have a friend over after church.



Okay, so the kid had birthday parties on both Friday and Saturday night. She with with her little girlfriends ALL weekend.

I felt some family time on Sunday was necessary.


She did not like my denial of her request.
As a matter of fact because of her not getting her way and being tired I witnessed the tantrum of a 7 year old girl in full force.



What is it with hearing NO?
When we want something, we want it now and certainly don't want to be told NO.



From a very early age we teach our children boundaries by telling them NO. We do this because we see a bigger picture than they do. We know what is best for our children.

They can't see past their immediate needs. We can, though.



hmmm.



As I reflect on this weekend I look at what I said YES to.
It was a big deal for me to say YES to a sleepover.
It was something my daughter really wanted and I honored that want.
However, when she was visibly tired from the weekend, I needed to say NO so she could rest.

But she didn't understand that. And she might not until she has children of her own.


It's a good lesson for me today.
Sometimes when I ask my heavenly father for something through prayer he says YES!
He honors my deepest desire and I can see answer to prayer quickly.



Other times, not so much.



He says NO.



I can deal with waiting on answered prayer. As long as it goes in my favor. I'm a little spoiled that way, I hate to admit.



But NO?



Why?



Because he knows best?



It is not always the easiest thing to accept. And I may not see his reason for saying NO on this side of heaven. But I have to trust. Be obedient.



I am reminded of how I often handle a NO from God.



Just like B did yesterday.



Kicking and screaming.


Why do you think we don't just trust and obey? Well, maybe you do. I don't mean to assume that you don't. I guess, I am just wondering about me. Here on this blog. Why don't I always trust and obey?