A Rule that Punishes the Innocent Child

Yesterday morning was one of those mornings to say the least. I left the school crying and still had tears when I arrived home. Has your child ever been punished for something completely out of their control?

Arriving late to school for the second time in six weeks, the secretary informed me my first grader would have to sit out at recess. What could I say as my little one questioned...why do I not get recess? We are never tardy. I can count on one hand the tardies we've had all year. All I could do was cry...I'm so sorry. This is Mommy's fault not yours...as I walked my boys to class. 

This rule upset me. I immediately emailed the principal requesting an explanation on the purpose of a rule that punishes the innocent child. I'm the one that deserved to be punished not him. Punish me!

The principal called promptly that morning. He explained the purpose behind the rule. Which I knew why...to encourage the parents to get their kids to school on time. The true purpose of my email was clear...I DON'T LIKE YOUR RULE! 

He went on to explain the rule and how he didn't like it either. But rules are rules that have to be followed, no exceptions. Because the rule had been broken, the price had to be paid. He did give me some alternatives.

Option one I could come up and sit with him in the office during recess. Haha! I'm sure I'd be late again dragging a 6 month old, 2 year old, 3 year old, and 4 year old along with me. Not to mention the complete chaos there would be once we arrived. 

Option two he could eat lunch in the principal's office instead of missing recess. This was the older elementary punishment and it didn't sound much better. He'd be singled out. He assured me though that my son would not feel he was being punished. He could bring a book to read or something to work on when he was finished eating. This is the option I went with.

My husband didn't have to go into work until one, so this gave me some time to go work in my garden and meet with God. I was still so broken over my child being punished for what was my fault. 

God reminded me of another rule...For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Romans 6:23.

UGH! In that moment, I felt ashamed for taking my sins so lightly. I see them as small, but God seems them as big with consequences. A price that has to be paid. My Jesus, innocent, that I say I love, died on the cross in my place. Taking the punishment that was mine. Why am I not as broken as I am with my own innocent child?

I'm reminded...You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20

This challenges me to strive to be more like the one that paid it all, my Jesus.