By True Girl Team
When I think of the word diligence, I think of Nim, from Nim’s Island. This movie inspired me to be such an adventurous kid when I was younger! If you’ve never heard of it, here’s the gist.
(Don’t worry, I won’t give spoilers!)
Nim and her dad live on an island by themselves. This means they have a lot of work to do. Not only do they make their food, but before they can even do that, they have to grow it or find it! They take care of the animals that live around them. Their home is made perfectly for their lifestyle.
I can’t help but think: that took a lot of diligence.
They had to have the diligence to protect their home when a storm came through. They showed diligence to their island, keeping it clean and safe. Their lives would look a whole lot different if they failed to be diligent every single day.
Now, you don’t have to show this movie to your daughter for her to understand diligence. You can simply talk with her about it!
Here are 3 simple steps to teach your daughter how to be diligent:
1.Tell her what it is!
Diligence is careful, focused, persistent effort. It is not getting everything right every time but giving your best effort with your whole heart each time you try.
It’s being careful, thorough, attentive, conscientious, intentional!
It’s NOT being careless, lazy, unconcerned, negligent, or sloppy!
James 1:12 says,
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him”
2. Tell her why it’s important.
Studies reveal that diligence does correlate to academic success but there’s something even more important to consider. You see, even if you’re not the best at math, reading, or science, it feels good to be diligent. Being ready for the next day brings a sense of peace and a sense of accomplishment (and a little less stress).
3. Show her ways to be diligent.
One way to show her diligence is through your life! In Deuteronomy 6, after Moses shares a very important commandment, to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and strength, he says this and the commands:
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:7
As you teach her diligently the commands of the Lord, she will begin to follow your example.
But, you can also show her ways to be diligent in her own life! You can make lunch for the next day before bed. Or make sure she is getting her homework done in a timely manner. You could even begin to do devos with her in the morning!
If you want more resources to teach your daughter diligence check out the True Girl Subscription Plan! As school starts up this month we are focusing on diligence!
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