Seven Miles Over

I was thinking, as I set the cruise control to exactly 55 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone, how this was the first time I had ever done that. Usually, I set the cruise at seven miles over the posted speed because I know I can go at least that speed without getting pulled over and ticketed. But, today, I set the cruise at exactly the speed limit because I was not in a rush to get anywhere and the wee lass was sound asleep in her car seat and I wanted her to sleep for as long as possible.

We all push the limits and test the boundaries in our everyday lives but have you ever thought about why you do it? Why not just do what is reasonably asked? What do you get out of pushing the limit and bending the rules just a little to suit yourself? I pondered this for the remainder of the car ride. I tried to explain why I like to think I got away with something or what benefit I think it gives me. I came up with no justifiable reason. So long as there are no consequences is it alright? What part of human nature makes us want to try to test the limits?

When it comes to child rearing there will be many rules. They will be tested and bent and there will be consequences when they are not followed. But what about when my clever little child sets herself to just seven miles over. What then?