Desire without knowledge is not good– how much more will hasty feet miss the way! Proverbs 19:2
When we go places on vacation, it’s our responsibility to know the rules and laws of the area we’re visiting. One that’s an ongoing question has to do with traffic laws. When we’re travelling through different states, I’m always asking if it’s legal to make a right on red, pass on the right, or make a U-turn.
And oh, I can’t forget the tolls. I guess if they’re covered with a flap, that’s normal, and doesn’t mean they’re out of order. The toll that was less than $1.00 turned out to be over $20.00 because yes, it was still working! If I was to do the wrong thing, ignorance wouldn’t keep me from getting a ticket. These are things I must find out before driving in that state. It’s my responsibility.
The character trait for today is Responsibility-knowing and doing what is expected of me (definition from characterfirst.com).
Travelling with a dog requires much responsibility. Thoughtfulness and manners will get you far, but we still must find out the rules. Dogs aren’t permitted in certain national parks, and it’s our job to research ahead of time. They aren’t permitted on certain beaches or hotels either.
If a hotel is kind enough to allow pets, it’s my responsibility to make sure they’re pleased with my dog’s behavior so the privilege can continue for others. I always have dog bags on me to clean up after him, but it’s good to ask where they prefer the dog do its business at. Plus, it’s my responsibility to know what my dog is doing at all times. If we’re renting a house, it’s important to know if the animal is allowed on furniture. My rule is “no” at all places to protect the furniture, but if it wasn’t, I’d need to find out.
I remember one time when the oldest got a little metal detector and couldn’t wait to use it on the beach. He’d just pulled it out when someone was kind enough to let us know they weren’t allowed on the beach there. We were completely ignorant about metal detecting, but again, it was our responsibility to look into.
Beaches have all kinds of rules that we’re learning. I look them up before going, but I’m always surprised when we don’t know a few. We find out about what kind of drink containers are allowed, if we’re able to build fires on the beach (that comes with a whole set of rules on its own), how many shells we’re allowed to collect, or if we’re allowed lights on the beach due to turtles. If there are horses or turtles, how close are we permitted?
Even after finding out all the rules for the beach where we went last time, we didn’t realize that there’s rules on picking up fossils. Thank God for a good guide! The new knowledge is worth it because we grow and don’t get into trouble!
The important thing is to never stop asking questions and always get educated. There are things we’ve done wrong because we didn’t know, and we try not to beat ourselves up over them if it never crossed our minds that there might be a rule for it in order to find out. We also know, that we need to take responsibility for doing wrong. Most importantly, we learn from it. Then, we know one more thing to be aware of.
I challenge you to expand your knowledge and be a responsible person when doing something new. Be aware that laws and rules aren’t the same everywhere, and do your best to learn them.
The best way to be responsible is with the Bible. It’s amazing how many things we’re told in there that will keep us from getting into trouble. It not only tells us what not to do, but what to do.
First, know what God expects from you in all areas. This includes your words, your thoughts, and your actions. Second, act according to those expectations. Remember that you might be able to give a reason for wrongdoing, but not an excuse.
