Truth or Consequences

If life had a rulebook, one of the first rules would be that actions have consequences. This is something we learn from the beginning. As a newborn, you cry and someone (hopefully) picks you up, gives you food, changes your diaper, etc. We get older and learn that crying doesn't bring the same result, though many children still try. As we age, we also learn that there are negative consequences to our negative decisions. Case in point, my sons stay out after they are told to be home and they face the wrath of mom. They are also grounded from friends and activities for a week. My sister is great, I think, at giving consequences. She was grounded alot as a teenager, maybe that's why she's more creative now. Recently, her teenage daughter was caught in a lie. Her punishment- she had to move a couple hundred pieces of wood from a pile to make a 'wall' at the back of the yard. When I saw the wall I was impressed. I'll bet she thinks about that every time she's in the back yard. That's a good consequence.

I started thinking about consequences when I was listening to a radio show this morning. They were discussing the whole David Letterman fiasco. The DJ's were talking about how mad his wife must be (ya' think?) and how his marriage probably won't survive. Then, to my shock and horror, one of them suggested that Mr. Letterman should've just paid off the guy that was blackmailing him because the 2 million he wanted would be a lot cheaper than what he'll have to pay his wife if they divorce. WHAT?!?!? If I'd been home and not in my car, I would've called in. I mean, really! It would've been better if he'd paid off the blackmailer and kept the whole thing a secret from his wife? The world seems to have this notion that it's ok to break the rules as long as you don't get caught. Then, if you do, you simply 'pay the price'. I remember a basketball player a few years ago that got caught in an affair, and he simply bought his wife a HUGE diamond ring. The consequences go much deeper than the money David Letterman might have to pay in alimony. The hurt and betrayal felt by his wife and child are results that can't be erased by any dollar amount. I don't watch his show, but have seen some clips of what he's said about it. Seems like he's sorry, but I'm not sure if it's sorrow for the pain or just for not getting away with it. Maybe we should have a consequence list for people like that. Some things that would make them think before doing it again. Moving several hundred pieces of wood might do some good for Mr. Letterman, or maybe he should write an essay about why what he did was wrong (a suggestion of a friend). If you want to leave a comment, tell me about a consequence that either you received or you've given your kids. I'd love to hear about it!