Can I Have a Do-Over??

Nana got her first car on Friday.
She took her driver's license test last Monday.
Didn't pass it though.
She takes it again on the 15th.

But she'd already made plans to buy the car.
So, she owns a car she can't drive
yet.

We've put in alot of time with her
this week,
and I'm confidant
she'll get her license next week.

But until then,
she has to have a
licensed driver 21 years old or older
in the car with her
if she's in the driver's seat.

Saturday morning
she cleaned her little beauty
inside and out--
and then,
she asked if she could just
"drive around the block"
with Daisie
and come right back.

I thought about it
for 1.5 seconds and gave my permission.
OH HOW I WISH I HADN'T!!!

I knew better
but I relented.
And now, I am paying for it.

After Church today,
Nana comes in and asks if she can
"practice parking" at a nearby parking lot.
I said
"No, you shouldn't be driving by yourself yet and I don't feel like going."

And there it was,
My hypocrisy for all the world to see.

"You let me yesterday."

I looked squarely at her,
"I was wrong."

"BUT!---"

"It's against the law.  It's not worth the risks should something happen."

"BUT!--"

"We believe in being subject to kings, magistrates, rulers and presidents", I said, trying to quote the Thirteen Articles of Faith.

"But So&So's parents let them drive!, came her rebuttal.  It's just around the corner! You let me yesterday! What's the big deal? C'mon, Mom."

"Call 911, tell the dispatcher your plight.  If they say you can drive with just a permit around the corner to practice your parking, go ahead."

Her shoulders drop.
I am not mad at her.
I'm mad at myself.
I confused her with my decisions.
I want a Do-Over
and this time,
I want to do the right thing
and be consistent--
the Golden Rule of Parenthood.
She needs me to be consistent
in my convictions.
Not wishy-washy.
That's so
stupid.

If I had just stuck to the rules yesterday, we wouldn't even have had this discussion today.

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

[excerpt from E. Guest, Sermons We Live] 

You'd think I'd have learned this one by now!