I don't think you understand

Recently, I asked Anna (4 1/2) to do something. She refused. I explained that Mommy's instructions are not optional. She cocked her head at me and said, "Mama, I don't think you understand. I want to do what I want to do, not what you want to do." She acted like I was genuinely confused about her condition. Like her predilection towards self-will was a surprise to me.

But isn't that the crux of the human condition? We got into this whole sin mess for the same reason. We want to do what we want to do instead of what He wants us to do. And we try to justify our sin nature in the exact same way that Anna does. As if our bent for rebellion is just a matter of personal preference.

As we gently teach Anna the importance of submitting to Mama and Daddy, may we also learn the importance of submitting to our Heavenly Father.