Thoughts on rules....

Written by my friend, Lisa L.

I was getting ready to type up a new set of rules for my family when in my head I heard the question, why do we need rules?

DO THIS…DO THAT…kids might think you have rules because you want to be controlling. Well, control is important, but it isn’t about being controlling; it is about being in control. Did I just say the same thing twice? No, let’s think about it. There is a huge difference between being controlling and being in control.

I want my home to run like a well-oiled machine. When everybody knows what they need to do and does it, everyone is happier. Rules don’t burden a child; children thrive on routine and appreciate boundaries. With no guidelines a child can become bored and can get into trouble. Trouble can be in the form of getting involved with “bad” people or things, or it simply can mean that they will struggle as adults because they don’t have the discipline to bring order to their lives.

As a child I had no boundaries. I was free to do as I pleased. I ruled the roost! My parents loved me and thought they were doing the right thing. Thankfully the Lord had His hand of protection on me and I was able to get past it.

My home has gotten out of control; we have lost the atmosphere of peace that comes from an orderly environment. So, tomorrow we set off with a renewed spirit to set things right, a new set of rules that fit our family at this stage of our development. My children have a destiny with the Lord; rules are just a means to an end to help them reach it.