She came home from church this morning and wanted to eat PLEASE JUST ONE PIECE OF CANDY??? PLEASE???? I said one piece was fine, not even sure what kind of candy it was, because I was dealing with my own consequences at the time, which we will get into later. Later, as I went into her room, I found a box of candy in her room, one of those theater size boxes of junior mints, that I KNOW was almost full last night. When I asked her how much she ate, she was reluctant to tell me, finally saying she ate just one piece. I told her she better not be lying, and with further investigation, she revealed she ate "a lot of pieces." Now how was I to deal with this obvious bout of lying and deceit. I mean, today it's candy, tomorrow it could be my car. ( I wouldn't put it past her, though she assures me she is too short to drive every time I tell her it's her turn at the wheel.) She got a swat and no TV for half an hour. She cried inconsolably over the lack of her movie. I told her that actions have consequences and she would just have to pay the price. At this she cried even harder saying, "But I don't have any dollars!"
I have to say I almost lost it right there. I wanted to laugh so much. I had to explain the expression to her and finally she understood the price she was paying was her punishment. But I was thinking today that maybe I was too narrow in my description. I made it seem like all consequences are punishments, and they obviously are not.
Look at the price I am paying now for quitting school 11 years ago.Seems like not the greatest idea, right? Right up there with stealing junior mints. But see what I got. I had a great career in the Air Force that I truly loved. I met someone who was very important in my life, which led to the birth of this wonderful, beautiful child that I absolutely would never give up for anything. I met people who will be a part of my life forever. I now am in school at a time when I can appreciate what I am learning, at an exciting time in politics and history. Is the price too high for making that choice so many years ago? Absolutely not!
Of course I did have to spend several hours today transcribing notes that I have put off doing for the past two weeks. That is one price I would rather not have had to pay today.....It would have been nice to go outside when the sun is not scorching for once.
"I now am in school at a time when I can appreciate what I am learning, at an exciting time in politics and history."
ReplyDelete-- I absolutely understand where you are coming from. It's much more enjoyable as an older adult, even with the added responsibilities at home.
Deep! I suppose the lesson is no matter the consequences (good or bad) you must be prepared to live with them. Perhaps the junior mints were worth the swat!? Not for me. I hate mint and chocolate together! LOL
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