Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

“Hi, Grandma!” said Audrey when she arrived at her grandmother’s house. “I’m glad I get to spend the weekend with you.”

“I am too,” said Grandma, giving Audrey a hug. “How is everything at home?”

Audrey frowned. “I thought it was great that Dad got married again, but now Monica and I aren’t getting along.”

“Oh?” said Grandma. “But, Audrey, Monica is a lovely Christian woman. And the Bible says to honor your parents. That means your stepmother too.”

“Well, she doesn’t honor my mother, so I don’t see why I should honor her.”

Grandma raised her eyebrows. “What’s the problem?”

“She’s changing everything,” said Audrey. “Mom had our house just perfect, but Monica moves the furniture and the pictures all around. And she doesn’t cook the same food Mom did, and she’s even changing some of our house rules! And the worst part is Dad doesn’t seem to mind any of this—he agrees with her!” Audrey sighed. “It’s not fair. I feel like I’m losing Mom all over again.”

After dinner, Grandma took Audrey up to the attic. “Before your mother died, she asked me to give you this when you were old enough,” Grandma said, pulling the dust cover off a large object.

“Her doll house! Mom told me how she used to play with it all the time.” Audrey bent over to peer into the tiny rooms. “I love it! Can I paint it, Grandma? I want the bedroom to be blue, and the old-fashioned parlor can be a rec room.”

“Really?” asked Grandma. “But your mother liked it the way it is. Won’t you be dishonoring her by changing everything?”

Audrey looked shocked. “But, I just…I don’t see how…” She paused, then looked at Grandma. “You gave me this doll house today because of Monica, didn’t you?”

Grandma nodded. “God blessed you with a wonderful Christian stepmother. He loves her and put her in your life because He loves you too, and He wants you to honor and obey her. She isn’t dishonoring your mother, even though she doesn’t do things exactly the way your mother did.”

“I know you’re right, Grandma,” said Audrey with a sigh. “I’ll obey Monica and honor her decisions—just like I did with Mom.”

–Ruth McQuilkin