Wednesday, April 27, 2011

RULES ARE RULES

Yesterday, my daughter went to a particular store and purchased a pair of jeans.  After leaving the store, she decided to peruse another store where she found a pair of jeans on clearance for the “low low”.  After purchasing the clearance jeans, she attempted to take the first pair of jeans she bought back to the store and ask for a refund.  Unfortunately, the store does not do refunds and to be honest, she knew this before she went back to the store demanding one. 
After going back and forth with the cashier, my daughter left with a serious attitude and was very upset.  When she called me with her “dilemma”, I simply told her that rules are rules.  I advised her that it was totally uncalled for her to get mad about the rules someone has set in their establishment, especially when you know what the rules are.  You either follow and abide by their rules, or don’t shop there. 
As elementary as this may seem, it is a lesson that needs to be revisited often.  Not just for kids, but for adults as well.  Although we may not always like them or agree with them, rules are rules.  Some rules can be avoided by not associating yourself with a certain place, such as refusing to patron a certain establishment, but there are other rules or laws that we are bound by regardless, such as, not drinking and driving, not speeding, etc. 
One of my most favorite shows to watch on TV is Parking Wars.  I just love it when the people come outside to find that their cars have been ticketed, booted, towed or impounded because they have parked in a restricted area.   It doesn’t matter that they are in the wrong, they still carry on something ridiculous because they don’t want to deal with the consequences of them parking in the wrong place. 

The scripture that comes to mind is, Genesis 4:7 (NIV):  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”  Meaning, how can you expect good things to come out of wrong choices?  Naturally or spiritually? 
As with all things, we have a choice whether to abide by rules that are set, however, if ignored or not followed, it opens the door for aggravation, unnecessary attitudes and arguments, fines, loss of jobs, possible jail time, or even serious major DISASTERS, which could have all been avoided if we just simply follow the rules.  One thing we have to learn in life that there are consequences to every choice we make.  While we are 100% in control of our choices, we have no say about the consequences of our choices.   
Rules are set with a purpose, and for the most part when followed, there is less chaos.  Following other people rules or rules period, can definitely be challenging at times, especially when they don’t seem to fit our life or agenda.  As a mother, I love to establish them, but I don’t always like to follow them, however, at the end of the day, I’m just as much bound by them and whether I like them or not, rules are rules! 
Stay Hopeful,
Clarissa

1 comment:

  1. So true, without rules, the world will be a chaotic place. That is why the Lord tells us to submit to all authority and ordiances:)

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