Key Verse: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7 NIV).

Devotion:

Sitting in my backyard, I love to listen to the sounds of all God’s critters: birds, crickets, frogs, katydids, woodpeckers, and most of all—children. Framing our yard from every side children’s giggles, chatter, and raucous play are a symphony of stringed instruments and percussion alike. There’s the rhythmic thumping of a basketball bouncing on concrete, the squealing of little girls being chased by boys, the skidding of bicycles tires on asphalt, the popping of a cap gun, declarations of “you’re it” and contentions of “you cheated.” All blend together in a symphony of youth. Of course, the orchestra would not be complete without the reprimanding of parents breaking up fights, and reminds stubborn wills of house rules.

Rules, rules, rules. What a bother—especially when you are five-years-old. When I was five, I never understood why parents had to interfere and ruin all the fun with rules. I eventually decided it was just part of their job description. Parents: law enforcement officer who patrols the neighborhood, ruining all the fun for little girls and boys.

As a five-year-old tomboy, my favorite possession was a pink sparkly bicycle with a silver glittery banana seat, and u-shaped handle bars. Streamers were attached to the ends of the handles and blew in the breeze as I peddled around the neighborhood at breakneck speed. I could leave skid marks as long as any old boy, balance without holding on the handlebars, and do “wheelies” with my front tire saluting the air. Oh how I loved to ride around the race track (otherwise known as Pine Haven Drive) feeling the wind whip through my ash blond streaked hair and brush past my bare chest. It was the “bare chest” part that was the problem.

“Sharon Ann Edwards,” my mother would call from the front porch. “Get in the house this minute and put on a shirt!”

“I don’t want to wear a shirt,” I whined. “Stewart doesn’t have to wear a shirt. Shy do I?”

“Because you’re a girl and because I said so. That’s why.”

My brother was five years my senior and he often romped around without a shirt. As far as I could tell, there wasn’t any difference between him and me. So why did people snicker when I rode past them bare-chested? I just didn’t get it. So begrudgingly, I’d knock down my kickstand, stomp through the house, and pull on a t-shirt, mumbling all the way.

This was not a one time incident and my mother tired of making me dress like a girl, or should I day, dress period. But then something amazing happened. I entered first grade. Suddenly something clicked and I noticed that boys and girls were indeed different. It all started with Isaac Thorp and his big blue eyes. Well, mom never had to tell me to keep my shirt on again.

Rules—what a bother. Rules—what a comfort. Eventually, I learned that even if I didn’t completely understand one of my parents’ or grandparent’s mandates, it would usually make sense later on. And just like with my earthly parents/grandparents, I learned that if I didn’t understand one of my Heavenly Father’s rules, it would usually make sense later. God’s principles are not randomly contrived to ruin our fun. They are meticulously thought out and created to protect His children. God is a lot smarter than we are. Have you noticed that? If I question Him and He answers, “Because I said, so,” well that’s good enough for me, and hopefully I’ll figure the reason out later—but I may not. If I don’t—I just need to remember that Father knows best.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you, that You do not set up rules for us to follow to ruin our fun or to cause us frustration, but for our protection. Help us to stay within the confines of the safe boundaries you have laid out for us in the Bible. Help us to obey even when we do not understand your holy logic.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

~*~

Sharon Jaynes is an international conference speaker and author of ten books including Being a Great Mom-Raising Great Kids, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, and Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God. For information about Sharon’s books or speaking topics, visit www.sharonjaynes.com.