When You Obey

In obedience, you stay out of trouble...

One of the teachings etched in the culture of the Chinese people as related by Aunt Yu-i of 'Bound Feet & Western Dress' was : you must always inform your parents where you are going and what you are doing. You must get their permission on important decisions in your life...

At first I laughed at it ; can you imagine it happening to children who are into adulthood in this era doing that? Maybe it works with children who are in their teenage years and still depending on you under your roof...just maybe. But after observing many happenings, I realise the truth behind the teaching. As a matter of fact, this is applicable to all at whatever age ; 7, 10, 15, 20 and even adult children. There is really no harm in informing. In fact, it is good to let someone know where you are at least for safety's sake. I believe there are enough sad stories of missing people, murders, kidnaps and so on some of which may be a consequence of not letting someone know of your going out.

I cannot but relate this teaching to the mishap that took place in Shah Alam yesterday when a 15 year old boy was unmistakenly taken for a criminal when he reversed his car into a group of policemen. He being 15 could not have possessed a driving licence and it was told that he left his house without permission and the knowledge of loved ones. On top of that he took the car without permission... so many wrong decisions.

Let's ponder over the happening.
If he had tried to ask for permission, he would have been denied of it since he wanted to drive. By informing his parents he would have not got into the trouble and not died. Simple as that; just inform your parents of your desire to go out. Many a time this was not done in anticipation of a denial but the consequences may be disastrous. The panic-striken boy on seeing the policemen could have pressed a panic button and reversed instead of going forward. What a mishap.

Today in a class, I asked how many among the students inform their parents of their going out and many still do it. Bless them. I brought their attention to the mishap and hope they know how to relate an act of carelessness costing a life. They kept quiet and I could see they saw the connection. Let's hope they be more careful.

So it goes to agree with that noble Chinese teaching of the good old days...ask your parents for permission before you go out. It may save your life.