Honesty is a virtue

It seems overwhelming to look at this blank page. There is so much to say and such a jumble getting it from my head to hand.

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. I had no idea when I stepped into this almost 7 years ago the amount of time, effort and heart I would have into my children. Naturally I assumed I would love them and they would love me and adore me and obey every single thing I said, the first time. Is it surprising to you that it hasn't turned out quite like that?! It is to me.

We've been dealing with the issue of lying lately. Not just some little white lie but deliberate, I promise you I didn't do it over and over kind of lying. Not having dealt with this yet I do what any newbie would do... I panic! My mind automatically jumps to the future and I think if she can lie to us this easily and with such a sure mouth of course the next thing to follow is stealing or even worse murder. Ok.. I might be jumping to a few conclusions here but I know it is something we need to nip now.

All week we read the children's book of virtues which talks about honesty and we read stories on honesty. We've talked about how when we catch her in a lie it makes us not be able to trust her and if we can't trust her then how can we believe anything she says even when it could be something major. We just got done reading about George Washington today and his famous quote, "I can not tell a lie, it was I." His dad then goes on to tell him that it takes such courage to tell the truth and that is always the best way and we went into length about that. (Enter big sigh of relief).. I feel like I covered all my bases and was feeling quite good about her knowledge of truth and lies and how we are to be honorable and reflect Christ.

Then tonight it happens...gulp... we ask her to tell us the truth on a matter and she looks in our eyes and adamantly denies having a part in it. After several minutes of denial she caves and tells us the truth. I was shocked. How can the lying still be a part of her. After several minutes of talking she was sent to her room for bed at 6:30. That is a huge consequence for our little night owl who loves family time. We want her to know it is serious and won't be tolerated, but, we also want her to know that our God is a God of grace who loves us despite our imperfections and weaknesses. We all give in to fear at times and do things that aren't honorable and courageous. Thank goodness God knows that and he doesn't expect us to be perfect, just that we strive. So strive we shall and we will keep growing this side of heaven until one day we can be made perfect.

In the meantime if any of you know what else to do about lying I am all ears.