It's that time of the year again. Football season is in full swing. The cheerleaders and pep squad, marching band and football team spend every minute preparing for Friday night. In this frantic time, one week is special - Homecoming week. More work, more fun, more popularity contests.

What was that? Popularity contests? That is what the Homecoming king, queen and court are all about, right? When you cast your vote, isn't there a little envy? In your imagination, can't you see yourself being crowned queen?

Every day at school seems to have a piece of "how popular am I?" thrown into it. How does my hair look? Did anyone see me when I spilled my drink on my shirt? Are those girls laughing at me?

These years can be rocky if being popular is your goal. The more you think about being popular, the more it affects that other part of your life - your family. How do you feel when your family shows up at school? Are you concerned that your Mom says the wrong thing or your Dad's voice is too loud? Do you have a brother/sister who embarrasses you when your friends see him/her?

Suppose you are right. Suppose your Mom talks baby talk to you in front of your friends and your Dad practically yells every word. Suppose the rest of your family is as embarrassing as you think they are. How should you act?

OK, this is where I want you to take a deep breath and stop thinking about being popular. Start thinking about what pleases God.  How do we know what that is? He tells us in the Bible. In Ephesians 5:1-2 He says, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (NIV)

Do you want to act like God? Do you want to live a life of love? I would think those things would be worth some effort. Suppose you have really messed up parents - should you still love them? Yes, you love them not for what they do after you are born, but for giving you life.

What are some practical ways to show your parents that you love them?

• Look for ways they help you and thank them for it.
• When you attend church, sit with them instead of your friends.
• Greet them at the door with a hug if you get home before they do.
• Use your money to buy a treat that they like to eat, and then share it with them.
• Do your chores without being reminded.

When you change your goal from becoming more popular at school to loving your parents the way Jesus loves you, you will find that coming home is a lot more enjoyable and that you are more popular with people who really matter...your family.

Lynnda Ell has been an active Christian for over 50 years She has three adult daughters and five grandchildren. She has had careers in accounting, direct sales, electrical engineering and writing. She lives and worships in New Orleans, LA. Check out Lynnda's blog.