Which do most of us want in life that requires no formal training, University degree, or test following eight weeks of displaying an “L” plate?
In this role, you can appear to be an expert (if there is such a thing!), take to the fast lane immediately without having been examined, you don’t even need to plan this event or set a goal! The result might come unexpectedly! The only time I can think of when the universe might deliver exactly what you did not wish for! Well at that moment at least!
Yes you’ve guessed it – becoming a parent. Producing a child must be the only thing left in this country where we do not require a certificate of competence before we start. Isn’t life grand? Once a parent always a parent! We don’t even have the threat of redundancy. There is no health warning to worry about, insurance required against litigation or instructions to follow in case we get it wrong. Great. It’s a sink or swim choice from day one. It is also probably the only outgoing cost on the monthly bank statement we feel we cannot ‘cancel’. In fact they do not come with a price tag at all or forecast of ongoing maintenance requirement. Just as well!
Perhaps this is all a blessing or we might be tempted to change it? Would we? No. Do we love them regardless? Usually! Do we regret it? It does not seem possible.
So all this got me thinking. If we are allowed to produce children without planning permission, a certificate of competence, or require a trade union membership to protect us, it must be left to good old fashioned common sense, instinct and a bit of Mother Nature to see us through. Brilliant. So can’t we have some more of this l’assair faire approach to life please?
e.g. I could be ‘allowed’ to install a velux window in my attic seen only by the sun and by the odd passing seagull because it faces a 16 ft high hedge. No family planning or any other planning required leaving the result to what Mother Nature intended to gift us, daylight. No questions, no hassle: no sleep interrupted for the first year of ownership either!
Billy don’t be silly, that would be too sensible and easy. Siring a child without planning permission is much more rewarding, enjoyable and fun. Does it damage my health? Well hardly. It’s part of the character development for those who want children. You can’t get that from installing a velux window.
Now I don’t know about you but every now and again I benefit hugely from a reality check in life. You know, something that makes sense – learning, that restoration of faith that the law is not an ass. And so today I have it! ......That I could legally father children all around the village with abandon to my heart’s content. I could even justify my actions by saying I am “making a contribution” in the community. For the benefit of others!
But just as well I cannot do anything reckless, irresponsible or selfish like installing a velux window where no one else will see it without being granted permission isn’t it? Now that’s what I call a sense of proportion in life! Common sense.
Just as well I am happily married and a content dad for twenty years or I might be tempted to produce little velux windows all over the village just because I don’t need planning permission!
Isn’t life wonderful!
