A 10-year-old's Room Rules: Words to Live By

I noticed several weeks ago that our 10-year-old had taped a Room Rules poster on her bedroom door in our summer cabin, but I really hadn't studied what the rules said. Just the other night, some friends were visiting, and giggled and commented how much they LOVED her Room Rules. Finally, I stopped long enough to read my sweet daughter's rules...and I really liked what I saw!

Reading these rules makes me hopeful that this sweet girl of mine, my tender-hearted one, will adopt "rules" like these for her life. That she would set strong boundaries which will help protect her beautiful full-of-faith heart. And biased mama or not--she is a beauty, and will need resolute boundaries to protect her as she navigates this life.

In case you cannot read them, here they are...

Rebecca's Rules

(Words to Live By, said her mama...)

1. Do not yell in my room.

2. Do not track in mud.

3. I am not responsible for lost and stolen items.

4. Take off your shoes and set them by the door.

5. Do not cry or cuss in my room. (This one may be my favorite!!)

6. If you made a mess while I was gone, pick it up.

7. I am not to blame if you get sick in my room.

8. Do not take stuff out of my room.

9. Do not get mad in my room.

10. Have fun!

OBAY these rules and you will accept my WRATH!!! (I think she means business, people!)

Ah, but in spite of the rules and the wrath...guess what else is going on in this room?

Sweet daughter of mine,

I pray that you will set boundaries in this life. I pray that you will set high standards that will allow you to feel safe, and give yourself space to grow and learn in that safe space. I pray that you will always be able to say "NO" in any situation you do not feel comfortable. That you will not allow others to sway you one way or another--but that YOU will set the standard. YOU will decide the path you blaze, and that you will blaze it with your chin up and your eyes focused above.

And yet, in spite of the boundaries, and the seriousness of blazing a sometimes lonely trail, I also pray that you will always, always be able to DANCE. Dance your heart out, my free spirit! Dance to the music that makes your heart sing with joy. Dance when no one is looking, and dance when everyone is looking. Life may sometimes feel heavy or busy or sad...but there shall always, always be dancing!!

I love you, my sweet girl,

Your Mama

Linked up with: