Lilia and Her Dad Learn More Grace

Jacob hoped that Lilia was in the car that was driving down the circular drive towards the ranch house, since she had not come home on the school bus. He recognized Ioka's car, the new white Toyota Camry. It was all repaired after the Valentine-the-goat incident. Lilia climbed out, thanked Ioka for the ride, and waved goodbye to Mele and her mom. Jacob watched with annoyance as Lilia slowly and thoughtfully climbed the veranda steps. He stood with his arms crossed in front of him. Lilia recognized the body language of an upset parent. She prepared herself for a lecture as she let the screen door slam behind her.

Jacob grilled her, "Why didn't you come home on the school bus Lilia? Why didn't you let me know that you weren't coming home on the school bus? You have a cell phone," said Jacob with an edge in his voice.

"I was waiting for the results of the cheerleading tryouts, Dad," explained Lilia quietly. Her head hung down in shame.

"You tried out for cheerleading after we asked you not to?" Jacob demanded to know and started to get angry.

"Yes Dad, it's hard for me to explain why it was so important. Mele is very popular and I'm not. I was hoping it would improve my popularity," said Lilia with a taciturn face that stared at the floor.

"Did you get on the squad?" Jacob asked as he maintained his threatening stance. He didn't know what they were going to do if she did.

"Yes Dad, I did," she replied softly and looked up at him.

Jacob heaved a huge sigh and asked, "Now what are we going to do? Grandpa, Mom, and I have very busy lives these days, not to mention that you do too, especially with grandpa flying back and forth to the governor's mansion." He gazed at her with disgust.

"You don't have to worry Dad. I gave up my spot on the squad so that Cindy could be a cheerleader. I apologized to Mrs. Hansen for wasting her time," said Lilia solemnly and slowly. She met his gaze.

"You did the right thing Lilia. That was nice that you cared about Cindy and her feelings. You've shown to me that you're learning more grace. Next time though, would you please call?" Jacob requested firmly and uncrossed his arms. He placed a loving hand on her shoulder, which urged her to comply with his wishes.

"Yes Dad, I will." Lilia promised him. I'd better go get changed and get to work. It's getting late." She said nothing more, but made her way to her room. It wasn't worth it, thought Lilia. It upset dad and made me feel bad about insisting on my own way.

"Good idea," said Jacob and closed the subject.

He had felt like yelling at Lilia and punishing her for being disrespectful to him. It was then that Jacob recalled what the Bible taught about raising children in Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." It meant that he shouldn't dole out punishment or discipline because of his own frustration or anger. Instead, he should be patient and handle the matter in a loving manner just as Jesus would have done. Jacob felt thankful that he had learned that lesson in his daily morning Bible study. He had come very close to exploding, and he was glad that he didn't. That would only have strained his relationship with Lilia, and then she probably wouldn't come to him with the truth in the future.

"Thank you, Father in heaven, for your guidance," he said with relief.