Day...something

Today at Achieve Kristi taught the kids how to play a traditional Vietnamese New Year's game. To my surprise, one of my student's parents came to observe. I don't mind the parents coming to observe, it is probably a good idea for some of them. This particular parent came because her son has been having problems with being able to follow rules like, "Don't talk while one of the leaders is talking." "Do not play with your cell phone during the program." (when did it suddenly become necessary for a 13 year old to own a cell phone anyway?) "Sit in a chair, not on a table." The list could go on, but I will stop there. This parent acknowledges that this child acts the same way at home. The parent questioned everything at the program from the number of tables in the room to the size of the small groups for the game. I understand that she is concerned that we are picking on her son, but the reality is that he receives more chances than any other student in the program. For the 12 minutes the parent observed the program, her son was relatively well behaved...meaning he didn't throw the beans on the floor or at other students like he did on Monday. My worry is that she will think he acts this way the other hour and forty-five minutes of each program day.
I would like to say that I do not do the same thing each day. But I am afraid that I am only on my best behavior when I remember that God is present and constantly watching. It's easy to do a quiet time and pray when I am reminded that it is important to do those things. It is easier to be sweet and not come back with a rude remark or a snide comment when one of the volunteers in the missions office is around and it is not just "family" present. God uses frustrating circumstances to teach me lessons every day. Maybe I should be a better student.