Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Deirdre loved her new camera. She could zoom in to make far-a-way things close; or zoom out to get a whole big building into one picture. She could take a picture and look at it right away. If she didn't like the picture, she could simply push a delete button and the picture was gone.

When her parents took her on a river cruise, Deirdre's camera was busy. She took pictures of people on the boat, pictures of birds in the sky above and pictures of other boats passing by.

'Be sure to have the camera strap over your shoulder every time you use it.' Dad advised. 'It's a good habit. That way, if you drop it, it won't hit the hard deck.'

Deirdre nodded, but she was busy looking for things to photograph. She didn't mean to ignore her Dad's words, but she really didn't pay attention to what Dad said.

'I wish I could take a picture of a fish in the water,' Deirdre thought, leaning over the side rail. She wrapped her hand around the camera, ready to take a picture if she saw a fish.

The camera fell out of Deirdre's hand. She grabbed for the strap but missed. Deirdre's new camera splashed into the water and sank out of sight. Deirdre was very upset - and very sorry that she hadn't taken Dad's advice.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to pay attention to my parents and everybody who loves me and wants what is good for me. For Jesus' sake. Amen.