CHOOSE: accorDANCE

More often than not, I'm a rule follower. Years ago in a friendly game, participants described each other with adjectives that began with the same letter as one's name. Example--pretty Patricia.

If Siri had been playing, she would have named me "ditsy" Dotsy. I would have gladly settled for that or delightful or dancing....but the consensus for me was diligent. 

Diligent. How boring! 

Yet, as aging has set in, it is a trait that I tend to admire in others. Too many seem to see themselves beyond the rules---as if "rules" are for others, not them. They are a member of the "terminally unique." Think those who litter, park in handicap spaces, keep their phones on in theaters, or text while driving.

They don't "dance" according to the rules. Rules are for others. They are the exception.

Maybe young people need diligent rule following adults in their lives as good examples.

This young lady chose to "model" the "quiet" rule at the St. Jude golf-tournament recently---not just in accordance with this respectful rule but by encouraging others to do the same.

I, the diligent one, choose accorDANCE---to waltz through life in accordance with the rules set out in God's word, even though sometimes I do "trip" up. 

The good news is that when I stumble in my accorDANCE, God is there. (Psalm 37:24)

RULES!

4/5/10 I grew up in a house full of rules. Manners first---always! No patent leather shoes before Easter and never after Labor Day. No caps at the table---ever! No listening in on the party line. Even in landscaping, Mother only allowed white and green planted “out front.” All colored flowers were in the back in her cutting garden.

My cherry tree that is in our front yard met Mother’s criteria (Josh, the giver, must have known her rule.) It blooms bright white every spring. Yet, when we came home this weekend to the driveway littered with its petals, it was magnificent---the dried petals had turned into mounds of pinkish petal dunes scattered by the wind. So much for that rule---I loved the pink!

During the little Texans Spring Break visit, I laid out rules for them as well. Street play not allowed. No standing in their golf cart. Turn around for all vehicles was the Kaplan’s driveway, etc. I must have overdone it a bit because when I asked Noah to put his socks on he responded , “Is there a sock rule too?”

I tend to follow rules. I find security in rules and laws, often getting really miffed at those who break them, especially litterers. However, when I’m honest with myself, I know that I (and others) can rationalize when “real” laws are broken, or even one of our own self-imposed rules.

How ‘bout the golden rule? Or those other laws and rules laid out in God’s word? They lead to righteous living but can often be hard to follow. Just look at 3 of my “biggie” struggles.
• Do everything without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2:14)
• Let your gentleness be evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)
• Do not be anxious about anything, (Philippians 4:6)

Even the apostle Paul had trouble keeping the rules. Romans 7:19 shares his inner conflict. “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
How grateful I am for grace---grace as seen in the next chapter verse 1 which says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Now that’s something to think about for those of us who are still struggling with some of the rules. This isn’t license to break the rules but a reminder that His grace will guide us in our struggle.