As summer arrives the Rooneys are again, heading across the nation’s highways and byways. A little bit work, a big bit fun! It is an adjustment transitioning from classroom and home, to the confines of a seat belt. Pit stops and destinations make it all worth it, but our years meandering the country side have not been without challenges. Crisis originates mostly within the vehicle, not beyond. When our girls were small we noticed it took about two weeks to make the mental and physical adjustment for constant togetherness. Around day 13 there was usually a huge family throw down, miles from home on a random road in the middle of no where. Soon all hearts and minds were cleared and we travel on, having realized we are not the center of the universe.
One afternoon, eighteen years ago, the girls were in the back seat bickering about everything from air quality to quantity. For miles they argued. Their father and I attempted to distract and redirect their behavior but the battle raged, so in desperation, dad said, “No more talking until I say you can.” A few blessed seconds of silence passed. Then, a little voice said, “She’s looking at me.” The fight was on again! Keith pulled the car over, reached and spatted the leg of the offender, reminded the girls to remain quiet for a period of time and resumed driving. Less than a minute later, the same soft voice commented, “If you hit me again, I will get angrier.” Keith’s eyebrows flew up as I held back a giggle. Again the car pulled onto the shoulder of a state highway and Keith walked to a fence row, picked a switch, and removed the leaves as he returned for his defiant passenger. One swat! That was all. He put her back in her car seat, and our journey continued….until!……Through gritted teeth she threatened, “Don’t take the leaves off the switch again daddy!” This was the point of no return. On a quiet country road we turned, and as one sister cried for the other sister to stop talking back, a dad that loves his children more than life itself, took his daughter behind the car and they came to an understanding of who made the rules and who followed them.
This is not a dissertation on the benefits or detriments of corporal punishment. It is a reflection on boundaries. They are necessary in every degree of life. As we drive from one state line to the next, a single law remains the same, stay to the right of the yellow and left of the white. If you do not, you won’t grow old. Every sport has an inbounds and out of bounds. You respect these markers or you don’t play. Boundaries are common in everything we do!
Free will and boundaries are on a perpetual collision course. From the very beginning God said, “Here you must stop and leave the rest to Me.” Adam and Eve chose not to. It ended badly. The Hebrew children in the wilderness were given the Law. Not because God was high on His own authority, but because He knew the big picture. You can only get so far on your own vision, but God’s plan will take you clear into eternity. It’s worth giving up your autonomy!
Soccer arenas don’t empty because someone dared to draw a line to define the perimeters of fair play. The Rooney’s don’t stay home because white and yellow lines are oppressive. But, the heart of man says God’s ways are too restrictive and they respond with rebellion. It makes no sense in comparison to every other action in our lives.
Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14
Give up the sass, buckle in and slap a smile on your face, because the ride is going to be awesome and yes, the incredible destination is what it’s all about!
Heaven Bound,
Gretchen