When we're learning to drive, we all know to obey the many, many traffic signs. In fact, the Rules of the Road are so intentionally drilled into our heads that we no longer have to think about their meaning. We just know them.or else. (this is where I tell you I didn't really like Driver's Ed)
After all, we're told there will be hell to pay (not to mention court costs *wry grin*) if we divert from THE right way to do it.
On some roads, there's only one way to go. To go in the other direction is illegal. dangerous. and ticket-bound.
In the World of Street, you are encouraged to walk and cross the road at designated times during the day. for a designated amount of time.
By the herds. like cattle.
and, for the love of God, to come to a complete stop when you see red.We all know this, right? And at least the law-abiding percentage of us all know to nev-ah go against these rules. To choose anything less than full obedience, to treat these signs as mere suggestions, only proves that we are of the irresponsible, misguided, and in-need-of-harsh-discipline-type citizens.
And...show of hands... who wants to be dubbed that? Anyone? Anyone?
But those hard-fast rules are only applicable when we're on the road. Even though the mentality of This is THE way to effectively and responsibly live crosses over into other realms of life, doesn't it?
Like for instance....oh, I don't know... how many children you have. :) Clearly, there is a "responsible" amount to birth, right?
Call me a rebel, but I like to think there are certain decisions that cannot be categorized as The Right Way vs. The Wrong.
life choices that are not spelled out in black in white Bible text by the Lord. and personal choices that really do depend on the individual, their relationship with Christ, and their life circumstances.
Being of the child-bearing age, I have a lot of friends starting families...or closing up shop. :) I know people who want "only" two. as well as families who currently have nine children ("naturally" and adopted) and would gladly take more.
I've heard innumerable conversations revolving around family size, and personal preferences regarding it all. I've heard woman proclaim that any more than X-number of children just isn't right. I've heard other woman say that they'd take a dozen, easy.
And honestly, both mindsets were spoken from women whom I respect highly.
Being that I love big families and have had a baby (or lost a baby) every year since my oldest was born in 2002, I've had many-an assumption made about me and my growing brood.
Some assume that I'm forever planning on being the professional Baby-Making Machine. Until Jesus comes back.....or my uterus falls out from exhaustion. You know, whichever happens first.
And I've had other people assume that surely, for the love of all things holy and sensical, I'm finally finished...?!
As people we're funny that way. I know I am. I'm always curious what "The Plan" is. I like to ask if people are wanting more...or if they're done...or if they're considering adoption...or if they plan on ever scaling Mt. Everest.
What? don't you want to know if those you love have grand and lofty goals? ;)
So when people ask me, I'm not offended. At least not as long as the question doesn't come with a snide attitude and a roll of the eyes. Then I might just have to bite
But yes. I have an answer. We have been mulling that one over from every angle. and are fairly certain in what we are thinking.
But for now, I just want to make a statement to all those people who seem to feel that all roads in life come with clear-cut signs about what is good and right and true.
I. just. don't. buy. it.
So put away your picket sign, if you've been so inclined to tote one arouond. and stop harassing people who are of a different mindset than you. Deal?
Because some signs have just been left blank. intentionally.
...so that each person can map out the course of their individual life with a personal Savior that's a bit more creative than creating a bunch of cloned people.
people who
Thank God life is NOT set up like Driver's Ed. Hell, maybe...but not life on earth. ;)
