DEPENDABILITY

Dear Abby,

When I was growing up it was very important for people to be dependable. The lessons for that began with school attendance. Tardiness was not tolerated except for something that couldn't be helped. Other areas of dependability involved appointments, jobs, volunteer work and commitments to church choir or other opportunities to serve.

The small things early in life help us with the bigger things as we grow up. If you understand the importance of being on time for school and church now, then it won't be as hard when you get a job or go to college to be dependable.

There are times in life that we are called on to do things when we don't feel like it. People today rely on feelings more than they use to. They may or may not show up for church or even a job if they don't feel like it that day. Abby, feelings should not control our lives. I am not talking about being sick. That's another story. There are many days that I have seen Papa in a lot of pain or extremely tired but he chose to go to work anyway. That is because he learned at an early age that dependability is very important.

If you join a choir, a school club, accept a babysitting job, or other commitment, be there and be there on time. Be known for your dependability. It does have its rewards. It may not involve money or recognition, but you will reap many benefits for it in your lifetime.

You've heard me quote this children's poem before:

"Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!"

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy