Living in a small town comes with some unique issues. Doing anything means wondering just how soon will my parents be told and what will be the repercussions of the information. A small town knows everything about everyone - and is NOT afraid to tell.

I spent many of my years tempering my actions and behaviors because of my parents. I worried about what would be said since my dad was a leader in our church and my mom was on the city council. My concern for their reputations tempered my behavior. The reverence and respect overshadowed any fear of retribution.

That through haunted me this morning, because what I did so easily for my earthly parents I ignore for my Father.

Questions I Should Ask before I Act

- What will they say about my Father? I worried that people would tell my mom or dad that they were ineffective as a parent and could not be any better as a leader. I need to recognize that my actions today are just as reflective on the Father that is guiding me through my steps each day.

- What will my actions say to my Father? Seeing the pain of disappointment in the eyes of my parents did more to guide my decisions than any punishment could ever have done. I desired to make my parents proud and to hear them say, "Well done." Not being able to physically see the eyes of my Father may be the one thing that keeps me from acting the way I know He desires. Maybe if I made a habit of closing my eyes long enough to see then I would do better in what I do. I have to be willing to make the sacrifices it takes to hear the words, "Well done." Sometimes it starts simply with a willingness to open my heart and look.

- How will my actions today affect the people around me? People talk in a small town and those words can send waves crashing into the lives of others. I tried to make choices that would bring soothing ripples of contentment instead of tsunami. Today I throw my actions around without too much thought to the destruction of that wave down the road. Each word I speak, action I take or behavior I display will bounce off the people around (particularly my children) and could be that last bit of energy necessary to knock their anchor lose and send them off with the current.

My life would be so different if I chose to live each day with the same thoughtful concern that I had when I was in the house of my parents. I live, right now, not in my Father's house, but as a living and breathing dwelling place for Him. Yet each day I move along in my own little world like I have only me, myself and I to consider.

The Father needs to be just as real and tangible in my life as the parents that raised me. Once I manage to get to that place then the reverence and respect will provide me with the tools to stand firm in my walk to be a testimony to that Father.

Kathryn Lang writes and speaks about issues that focus on the good, positive and uplifting. She seeks to provide inspiration and motivation for the hearts and lives of others. Get more tips about living an encouraged life with, “Practical Proverbs,” now available through online bookstores and eReaders. The book focuses on 8 traits from Proverbs and practical tips to make those traits a part of your life. Find out more about Kathryn and her Proverbs journey by visiting her websitewww.kathrynlang.com or visitingwww.proverbs31life.com.