Obligations

Obligation.

It’s a funny word.  Words with b’s and l’s and g’s in close sequence are kind of strange.  Fun to spell.  Fun to say.  Or maybe that’s just me.  There’s something satisfying about all those odd consonant sounds in close contact that just makes me smile.  Yeah, that’s probably just me and my linguistic side coming out.  =)

What’s not funny about the word obligation, though, is its definition.  Not according to Webster’s, an obligation is something that you must do.  You are obligated to complete a task or be present at an event. 

But what does it really mean?  What is an obligation?  I mean, obviously, it varies from person to person, but if you have an obligation do you have a choice at all in whether or not you complete it?  I guess you do, but usually people who don’t hold to their obligations are looked on as less-than-respectable individuals.

If you have an obligation, do you have to do it?  Obligation to complete tasks or attend events is one thing, though.  What about obligation to care about someone?  To love someone?  Is that an obligation?

Is God obligated to love us, His creation?  Are parents obligated to love their children?  Is that why we value friendships and spouses so much?  Because their love doesn’t stem from obligation but from choice?

This is just something I’m doing a lot of thinking about right now–the idea of what we are obligated to do and what we have a choice to do.  In my mind, if you have promised to accomplish something, then you are obligated to do so, but until you make that commitment, you don’t have any obligation to make it happen.

Personally, I try not to feel obligated to do anything.  I think it’s my old rebellious nature kicking in that when I feel obligated, it makes me not want to do it.  Isn’t that silly?  Isn’t it silly that not feeling obligated will increase my enthusiasm for a project even if I am obligated to do it?  It’s dumb.  But I guess it’s all about perspective.

I don’t want to be obligated to do anything.  I want to choose to do the things I  do.  When it’s my choice, I feel like I have some control over the situation, which of course is a flaw of perception since none of us really do have control over anything.  We may have a choice in some areas, but that doesn’t mean we can take control of it.

God forbid we’re ever in control of anything.  That would be a scary world.

Choice changes our perspective, I guess.  I want to choose the people I love.  I want to choose the events I attend, the responsibilities I have, and the people I hang around with.  Maybe that’s rebellious.  I don’t know.

Just thinking.  =)