Breakin’ the Rules
Have you ever felt like breakin’ the rules? Especially the ones you’ve imposed on yourself–the ones that are so familiar you keep them without even thinking, without knowing you don’t have to obey them day in and day out?
I hadn’t given my ‘rules’ much thought for over fifty years, until last week when I just didn’t give a rip.
I was suddenly fed up to the top of my head with the ‘do this’ and ‘do thats’ of my life.
- Make your bed first thing in the morning.
- Get dressed right away.
- Eat breakfast.
- Say your prayers and read your devotions.
- Check email.
- Work.
- Run errands
- Go to the gym or take a walk.
- Clean up the dishes before bed.
- Shower and go to sleep. (and then get up the next day and do all this all over again.)
courtesy of unsplash.com
That day I rebelled. I drew a line. I broke every single one of my rules.
- I left my bed unmade all day.
- Wore my bathrobe till noon.
- Skipped breakfast.
- Ignored my prayers and devotions.
- Left my computer off.
- Did not work or write one word.
- Stayed home.
- Binge watched a favorite TV series.
- Left the dishes in the sink.
- Went to bed without showering.
I woke up the next morning liberated, happy, set free from all the ‘shoulds’ and ‘should nots’ and best of all, I felt God smiling.
Today as I write this blog I am back to my routine. Not because I felt guilty about breakin’ the rules but because I prefer to live an orderly life. But it sure feels good to know that I can break them anytime I feel like it and my life will not fall apart, nor will God love me any less.
In freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore and
do not be entangled again in a yoke of slavery! (Galatians 5:1)
Good for you!
Thanks, Janet.
LOVE this.
Thanks, Heidi. It was fun–for a day. You were great last night. Congrats on your ‘two’ birthdays!
Yes it does feel good to just do what you want and take care of yourself. Although I find if I miss my devotional – my day seems empty and unconnected. Love to you
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lynn.
Thank you for providing a little levity to my stressful day!
You are so welcome. We all need a few laughs and lots of smiles.
Nice!
Thanks, Barb.
Good for you! I break the rules all the time. First, since I am not able to continue on a ‘set pattern’ I just don’t worry about it. I will have all kinds of things in mind that I want and NEED to do and yet if I am not in the mood to do it I just say, “oh well, I will do it later”. Of course then I get upset because I am so far behind in what I want to do and some things I need to do like write my cards of encouragement to those on the prayer list at church! I have to postpone some things but then I do “catch up”. One of my best friends says she never makes her bed unless she is having company-she lets her bed ‘air’! After all, who sees it? I do like to have a ‘routine’ and I do feel better if I follow it but not as strick anymore-it is not worth it.
I know you always get things done that need to be done and you accomplish so VERY much, but I bet it did feel good to just do as you pleased that one day. I recommend you do that more often!! Well, you may just keep the devotional and prayer time in your schedule. That is the one thing I do each morning-read my devotionals but admit my prayer time seems to get interrupted by my mind wandering! Aren’t we glad God understands and loves us anyway?! I am!
Thanks, Karen, for another good one. Bllesings with love, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I always enjoy your comments.
Love this! As a self-imposed rule follower, it IS liberating to break them at times. Like you, I like order, but I am striving to let go of “rules” and just relax a bit!
Happy Tuesday!
Great to hear you enjoy a ‘break’ once in awhile too, Patti.
Isn’t it funny how a day of relaxing disorder can caress you back to motivating and more productive order?
You inspired me today Karen!
I’m trying the relaxing disorder today. 😏
(Kind of…But, I had to make my bed first! 🛏)😉
🌸Smiles, BRC
Smiles back to you, Beth. Thanks for your cheerful comment.
Mom, you rock! That’s amazing. So inspiring!! “I didn’t give a rip!” Hahaha. Perfect.
Thanks, Julie. It was a fun day. I enjoyed doing what does NOT come naturally.
What a lovely inspiration to always give yourself the gift of freedom to choose and appreciate both that freedom and the knowledge of what works best for each of us.
What a lovely comment, Elaine. Thank you.
That’s a daily battle. Lol. “To do, or not to, that is the question. Whether it’s Noble to suffer the slings and arr. . .”
Thanks, Jim. I guess we all have a few battles from time to time.
Sounds like a typical day for me. Either I will or I won’t. Sadly now that John has left this earth and gone to his heavenly home I have no one to consider but myself. Of course my little Lucy demands a certain amount of attention. I do make a list and it might take me the whole week to finish it.
Oh yes, airing the bed is standard practice for me. Your blog has been missed by me so much. I have now signed up again. Moving takes a life of it’s own.
But I am slowly settling in.
Blessings to you, Karen
Joan
Hi Joan. I’m happy to know you have settled in and are getting my blogs regularly. It’s always good to hear from you and to read your response to the topics as they apply to your life.