Breaking  A  Commandment

 

Recently, my son's cousin was over for a visit. While she and her mother were here, she overheard me correcting Alan when he answered a question with a "yeah". When I reminded him he should always answer an adult respectfully (we like the use of "yes, sir" , "yes ma'am", etc.), he complained. I told him I understood his feelings, but he should always show respect to an adult, especially the elderly.  After our conversation, he went off to play with Rebekah. A few minutes later, Rebekah came to me and told me, "Aunt Deb, I don't want to get Alan in trouble, but I think he broke one of the Ten Commandments." 

Well, immediately, my lips started twitching. I kept a straight face, though, as I replied to her comment. "You think so?  Well, which one do you think he broke?"  She hesitated only a moment, then answered  "Well, I think he committed adultery". I could see my sister on the sofa, choking on a laugh and I used every ounce of self control I had to not laugh out loud.

I told her, "No, Rebekah, I don't think Alan has committed adultery."  As I recalled my conversation with Alan about showing respect to adults, I knew exactly how she came to the conclusion about his breaking a commandment. Needless to say, it was one of those priceless moments!