Grounded in Love

Stella stared out the kitchen window and sighed. "Today's too nice to be stuck in here," she grumbled. Mom handed her another dish to dry. "You should have thought of that yesterday when you decided to come home an hour late and refused to answer my texts."Stella continued to look out the window, pouting. Her neighbors were tying up their Great Dane. "Poor Samson," said Stella. "He's being chained up. He's a prisoner today too--just like me."Mom looked out the window and saw the big dog pulling on his chain, trying to get loose. "He sure doesn't like that chain."Stella scowled. "He's probably mad about it," she said as she took another dish to wipe. "Why are the Smiths so mean to him?""They're not being mean, Stella," said Mom. "They're actually showing him love by tying him up."Stella raised her eyebrows. "Love! I don't see how you can call that love.""Yesterday while I was pacing on the porch waiting for you, Samson ran into the street and almost got hit by a truck," Mom said. "The Smiths saw what happened, and they told me they were going to keep him chained until new fencing is installed. They want him safe."Stella's eyes widened. "Wow! Then I guess I'm glad he's tied up.""Me too," said Mom. "Samson's freedom has been taken away because his owners care about him." She looked at Stella. "In families, privileges are sometimes taken away because of love too.""You mean my privileges, don't you?" said Stella.Mom nodded. "You're grounded today because I love you. I want you to realize how your actions can make other people feel. I was really worried when you were late and I didn't know where you were." She put a hand on Stella's shoulder. "Remember that God loves you too. The Bible says He disciplines His children so that we will grow to be more like Jesus. For kids your age, His discipline often comes through parents who help you realize how your actions affect others."Stella gave her mom a little smile. "I still don't like being grounded, but I'm glad you love me so much. I'm sorry I disobeyed. I'll have to thank Samson for teaching me a lesson today." – Suzanne Daly