Yes Ma’am Is More Than Manners—It’s Maturity

I’ve recently started teaching my daughter the importance of saying “Yes ma’am” and “Yes sir.”

What started as a small attempt at building respect and discipline turned into a deeper lesson for both of us—one I didn’t even know I needed to relearn.

It began when I noticed a pattern. I would give my daughter a direct instruction—something simple like “put your shoes on” or “go brush your teeth”—and I’d be met with a full-blown tantrum. And listen, I get it—she’s young, she has opinions, emotions, and her own little world she’s growing into. But when it comes to safety, hygiene, and her well-being, her opinion doesn’t override responsibility. There are moments where feelings have to take a back seat to obedience, not because I’m trying to control her, but because I love her.

That’s when it hit me: we do the exact same thing with God. We receive clear direction—start this, stop that, leave them, trust Him—and instead of responding with a simple “Yes, Lord,” we go into a tantrum. We rant. We negotiate. We stall. All because our feelings don’t feel like cooperating.

But here’s the truth: our feelings don’t always matter—His glory does. Obedience isn't about how we feel; it's about who we serve.

So I challenged myself. For one full week, I made it my mission to respond with “Yes ma’am” to every reasonable request, every instruction, every opportunity to serve—even when I didn’t feel like it. And in just seven days, I saw the fruit.

Saying “yes ma’am” saved me from unnecessary stress.
It helped me avoid resistance that I didn’t need.
It even made small tasks feel like seeds—planted in peace, not resentment.

There’s something powerful about a willing heart. Not a forced submission, but a posture of humility and surrender. And that’s the posture I want to model for my daughter—not just in words, but in action.

I can’t expect her to obey joyfully if I’m not willing to live it myself.
I can’t teach what I haven’t embraced.
So I’m saying “Yes, Lord.” Even when I’m tired. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I don’t understand.

Because I’ve learned—obedience always brings a harvest.

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