Stories of Virtue, Part 1

Despite all the necessary writing that we might do as young ladies, it ought to be remembered that one of the best ways we should use our writing skills is to the edification of our own immediate family. It is within our own immediate family that we have a very powerful influence for good or for bad.

This small series was written for our beloved Grace, then at three years of age. The stories of Virtue actually began as oral tales told to two year-old Grace as she was rocked on the front porch. One of the immense blessings of creating stories for little children is the opportunity to encourage and exhort these precious ones toward a higher standard of excellence in every area, especially in areas of personal struggle.

The following is a selected short story emphasizing the important character qualities of punctuality, duty, and diligence; however, the over arching theme is obedience.

To Obey Is the Only Way

"Ring! Ring!" A chubby finger hit the "off" button. Three year-old Virtue knew how to turn off her alarm because her Daddy had taught her. She remembered when he showed her the button that had the letters "O" "F" "F" written on it.

"Oh! I had better get my dress on and not be lazy," thought Virtue as she pushed back her covers. It was then that she realized how chilly the winter air was and just how toasty was her warm spot. She thought about snuggling underneath her mound of soft quilts and fuzzy blankies. That would feel...would feel so wonderful.

Then little Virtue thought about her mother's words last night, "Sweet One, we have a full day tomorrow. Great-Grandpa Tarleton will come and eat breakfast with us, so as with everyday you will need t get yourself dressed when your alarm rings."

Springing out of bed, Virtue exclaimed aloud, "I want to obey Mommy! If I sleep past my alarm, Mommy will be so sad that I choose to disobey. No! I want to make obey; I want to make her happy."

Virtue quickly dressed and arranged her bed covers tidily. She even put her stuffed bunny, Susie, on her pillow. She was almost ready to depart from her neat abode when she remembered something. Last week her mother instructed her to do her personal hygiene chores each day without being reminded. Virtue wasn't going to forget today. No, she wanted to remember and obey all of Mother's words. Very quickly she brushed her curls (with her hair brush) and then her teeth (with her toothbrush), washed her face, lotioned her body, cleaned her ears and then her finger nails.

She was just putting away her nail clippers when she heard a "knock, knock" on her door. She knew just who it was.

Find out who was there in the next story, Feather Your Nest