I do not live in a little house in the woods, nearly self-sufficient as Henry David Thoreau describes in his little book Walden. His experiment of temporary separation from all that might challenge his choices most of us will not want or be able to choose.

So, I would like to take the highway restrictions as a screening of my concern for my brother/sister. Freedom and Responsibility - big words with big daily demands.

Slowing down, passing safely, stopping for pedestrians even when they jaywalk, leaving well on time and not exceeding speed limits are such good, thoughtful attitudes. BUT why is there this wicked voice inside my head tempting me to bad driving or bad temper when things do not go as I wish. My freedom to do as I need or want has been restricted by others who have their own needs and wants.

Is it doing what I want when I want and how I want the proper understanding of freedom?

Parents must train children to be concerned for family members, school mates, team mates--all in preparation for a life of peaceful give and take. Am I, as an adult, exempt from these controls simply because I'm now independent, making my own decisions?

Reflection: Suppose it is the middle of the night or after the rush hour, not a soul in sight, why not go through that red light? No harm will be done to anyone. But is that true? Harm will come to me will it not? Break the law a little bit or break the law a lot. Be caught or not, my spirit will have a chip or crack in its integrity, my regard for others will be blunted, dulled.

What is this integrity? Is it not simply the freedom to discipline the heart, the mind, the will to do right. My decision to avoid the 'little' temptations those pesky visitors inside my head nudging me to 'just this once won't matter' actions. If I avoid making these so important mini decisions they add up, and up, and up and make a big chip and a real dent in my integrity, my concern and my care for everyone.

My mother once told me: 'what good you do adds to the store of goodness in the world--but what negligence and /or wickedness you permit yourself adds to the depletion of goodness in the world. Little actions, all actions, have broad significance. Everything you do matters.'

Freedom is not license. I come to realize that in conforming to wise guidelines set by society for the peaceful functioning of all members I am in fact using my freedom to accept the limits which allow others to live in safety, in peace, and in freedom.

And the Bonus--I have interior quiet voices now. I also contribute to the store of goodness, patience, and self-control in the world. A very uplifting reward! Rules of the road are good tutors as rules of living in harmony with myself and with my fellow citizens.

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