weeklythoughtexchange

This is a time of ethics. As the presidential debates roll on and we draw closer and closer to the voting booths, we must confront our own ethical convictions. Is money what matters most? What about personal responsibility and individual liberty? If American lives matter, who are we to say that the lives in other countries don’t matter? Yet is it really up to us to get involved in the business of other countries? And then there is education – who should have the final say on where and what American children learn? The parents? The state? The federal government? Teachers? Principals? Should our children be learning about the importance of the country or the importance of following their own conscience?

My list of questions goes on: welfare, homelessness, poverty, crime, immigration, the environment, animal overpopulation, human overpopulation, racism, sexism, and closest to my heart – abortion.  If I were to sit down with any number of people and discuss these issues with each one, I would end up walking away with any number of opinions and suggested solutions to each issue. In fact, just yesterday I had a similar discussion with a friend of mine and, despite the weight of the topics, we had to laugh because our views were so different in many respects – yet we both want good to triumph.

I conclude that ethics is a matter of pourquoi, why? For every conviction we have, we must ask ourselves why? Why do I feel so strongly about this matter? Why do I hold to the stand that I do? Why does my opinion differ from so many others? Why does my opinion mirror that of so many others? And deepest of all, why am I here on this planet, at this point in the history of mankind?  If we can answer those questions it might helps us to have a clearer insight into what our responsibility is on Election Day and for whom we cast our vote.

Utopia will ever be out of our reach, but you are still responsible for the missed opportunities you had to do the right thing.

You are one-of-a-kind! Miraculous things are happening to you:

-We can tell if you are a boy or girl (but we’ll keep that a surprise until you are born)

-Your fingernails are developed

-Your organs are starting to become more specialized

-Most exciting of all, you have discovered your sense of touch and enjoy feeling your face with your tiny hands.

– You are a tiny little thing, about 7.5 inches long, but so obviously the unique human being that is going to change the world.

Out here in the big, big world people are busy going about their daily business. We are working to pay the bills; arguing about which man should become the next leader of our country; deciding if we should go see a new movie Friday night; and sometimes feeling sorry for the people dying of starvation in Africa.  If we would stop to breathe sometimes we might notice that little miracles are happening every day.

There is a hint of fall crisp in the air; in some places the leaves are starting to change color (you’ll learn about that in school); puppies are learning new tricks; and butterflies float delicately from flower to flower in states that never get cold (you’ll learn about the caterpillar miracle in school too). I can’t wait to carve pumpkins with you, introduce mashed potatoes to you at Thanksgiving, and see your eyes grow wide when you see Christmas lights for the first time.

Yes, a big, big world is waiting to meet you. There are many good people out here – people who want to save the baby seals from being taken away from the mamas and used for coats; people who want to save the national parks from being used for oil drilling; people who want to make sure that everyone can go to a doctor; and people who don’t want taxes to go any higher. I have tried to tell them about you, because if they knew you I am sure they would fight for you.

I’ve never met you, Little Baby, but I already love you…and miss you,

WordVessel

(This letter was written to a baby who is scheduled to die tomorrow, October 15th, 2012)

So I’ve been thinking:

1) I don’t think cars should have to stop for school buses. I know this probably makes me sound like a child-hater, but I really don’t think it’s in children’s best interest to assume that the whole world revolves around them. Where I live, school buses stop just about anywhere to unload their noisy throng and the children, particularly the teenagers, slowly meander across the street (not by a crosswalk, mind you) while talking on their cell phones and bopping to their Ipods. They are not learning to respect the individuals who are coming home from long days at work, nor are they learning to look both ways before crossing in the street. Instead, they are learning that they set the pace of life.

I think that school buses should stop near crosswalks and if parents are truly concerned for their children’s safety they should network amongst themselves so that a responsible adult is always waiting for the children to get off. Then they can make sure that their children are looking both ways before crossing a busy street. If cars see children crossing, of course they should stop. Otherwise, everyone should be able to get home from work without interruption.

2) I recently watched a film called, “Lord, Save Us From Your Followers.” It’s premise was that Christians have stigmatized themselves as argumentative, intolerant, judgmental individuals who can’t wait to send hellfire and brimstone down on people who think differently from them. Though good points were made, I disagreed with the producer’s opinion that Christians should only speak tolerance and acceptance to those around them and not speak up when rights are being trampled underfoot. Yes, Jesus did love everyone and was forgiving; He also called sin what it was and never condoned it.

Christians must find a balance between boldness and humility. We should be able to speak up against injustice and offenses to our faith, while still showing compassion to those who have offended us. That is what should set us apart. As a Christian, I do not have to be a “Yes Man” in order to prove that I am a believer. My faith should be revealed through gentle disagreement and a firm explanation for why I disagree, with an unwavering desire to see my fellow human beings living God’s plan for them.

I know these thoughts are somewhat disjointed, but I also think there is a connection. I feel strongly about raising children up without an entitlement mentality. Many people assume that Christians should not have opinions because doing so means that they are judgemental or argumentative. However, I disagree. I have many strong opinions but I hope can deliver them with an open mind and an interest in knowing yours.

A wise man once said, “Meaningless, meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” That sentence has been ringing in my ears this entire weekend. Whenever I am on break my mind starts to run away with negative thoughts. I evaluate all that I do and I come up empty. I ask myself, “What really is the point of striving for the goodwill and approval of mankind?” Even deeper yet is the question, “How do I know that I am within the will of God?”

As we balance on this spinning sphere all that makes sense to us is the opposite of what is divinely ordained. To hold on, we must let go. To live, we must be willing to die. To move forward, we are often called to reverse direction.  We are required to care enough to not care. Less is more as we attempt to tame the wind.

Yes, all that I do is meaningless if I do it for myself…or even if I do it for others so that they will value me. All that I do must be for the honor and glory of the One who died for me, and even then, I cannot do it so that He will love me more. I must live a constant reminder that there is nothing more to do but live Christ.

If you have a low tolerance for noise.

If you can’t stand stacks of paperwork.

Unless you can think fast and speak slowly.

Unless you can plan ahead and adjust those plans on the spot.

If you are not willing to repeat yourself at least a hundred times a day.

If you are not prepared to encounter your insufficiencies every day.

Unless you delight in learning new things every day or relearning concepts you learned last year, and the year before that, and the year before that.

Unless you know who you are.

If you are not able to reflect and improve.

If you cannot see the lesson within the lesson.

Unless you have a vision for the future.

Unless you can’t give up.

If you don’t value the little things.

If you are unable to see past yourself.

Without Jesus as yours.

There has been a theme of apologies this past week or so. I recently held a few people accountable for not following through on their commitments, and they were somewhat offended by that.  They would have been appeased if I had apologized for my expectations. Then there were the string of attacks on Americans by Muslims due to the film that supposedly offended them.  Our government apologized for the offensive film.

These were two very different incidents, one much more severe than the other. Yet there were two similar themes – accountability and apology. It used to be that if one did not uphold his end of the bargain he would apologize for it. Now it is the reverse: one must apologize for holding another accountable to their word or actions.  This was not the first time that our country has apologized for unintentionally giving offense.  In fact, I am starting to think that our enemies will only be satisfied if we apologize for being American, or, for that matter, apologize for existing.

This apologetic trend is slipping into the classroom, too. Teachers are feeling pressured into explaining why they have standards, boundaries, and expectations for their students. Our students can easily make us feel guilty for teaching a lesson that requires an effort to learn. We are viewed as the enemy if we believe our students are not living up to their potential. Believe me, there is nothing a teacher dreads more than progress reports or report cards that have grades lower than “C’s.”

This invisible influence is transforming our society from a bold beacon of excellence and courage to a shrinking shadow of mediocrity and uncertainty.  If we know that we are in the right we must not apologize for it. Let people take offense! I, alone, must live with my conscience and I will allow my own conscience to dictate my judgements and my actions, whether it be as an American or as a teacher. I am responsible for those in my care and I can fulfill my responsibility to them only by adhering to the standard that was set for me by the Supreme Judge of the Universe. The same is true for America.

When we start apologizing for doing what is right and expecting others to do the same; when we have to justify fulfilling the responsibilities given to us and expecting others to do the same; when we are viewed as the enemy merely for being in a position of authority; when we resign our leadership to those less qualified simply because they are more outspoken or threaten to harm us – then evil has triumphed. And that is the only time we sincerely need to apologize, for then we are in the wrong.

All dogs and cats were spayed or neutered?

Pets were adopted from shelters and not bought from pet stores?

No one threw food away?

Everyone had some type of garden?

All consumers insisted on free-range meat?

Citizens really held our leaders accountable?

Quality mattered more than ease?

There was less paperwork and more action?

People valued their word and used it sparingly?

Education was given the same prestige as the NBA and NFL?

Every person chose to believe that God is real and lived as if they believed it?

Instead of lamenting what they are unable to do and doing nothing, each person did what they could?

You chose to do something about it?

There’s a middle schooler in all of us. A bit lost; a bit distractable; wanting to scream at the top of our lungs for no reason in particular; and always wishing to do something great one day. It shows up when we watch a movie in which the underdog becomes the hero. We are reminded of it when we read a news story of someone standing up for their convictions, no matter what the consequences. Yet it’s most prominent when it comes to spending a daily moment in God’s Word.

As most of you know, I am the leader of an outstanding group of young people that bears the name of Club Impact. We do many good things together, but the heart of my vision for these inspired youngsters is that they would immerse themselves in the Word of God. Unless they do, all of their efforts to make a difference will be in vain. And so it is with our lives. Unless we are connected to the One who made us for a purpose, our lives have no meaning.

But as is common among middle schoolers, we think we can stay close to jesus without daily time spent reading the bible. Perhaps if we talk about Him, or think about Him, or go to church once a week, it will be sufficient. We certainly hope so, because whenever we start reading the Bible we get tired or lose focus or get distracted. What we read is often dull or confusing, too. Besides, our week is so busy with work, friends, home responsibilities and hobbies it’s hard to find time to open that book.

Would those excuses work for any other aspect of life that is important to you? Exercise, for instance? Or eating? Or sleeping? What about relationships with friends or family? Education? “I think about_(fill in the blank)__. I talk about____________. I ______ once a week. That should suffice.” Common sense declares that such a line of reasoning cannot work.  Therefore, if you want to know your purpose for existence; if you want to know when to stand up and when to step aside; if you want to live a satisfied, meaningful life, you must set aside a portion of each day to meet with Jesus.

Here are some suggestions for making it the part of your day that you anticipate, not dread:

-Name it (create a term for your Bible reading that has significance for you and reminds you of how important it is to you. Example: “My reflection time” or “My sanity boost.”)

-Move around (meet with God in different places – the beach, the park, the forest, the mountain, your deck, at the coffee shop, for example.)

-Set dates with God (He is real, which is why you want time with Him. Designate one day each week where you just go away for twice the amount of time you spend with Him the rest of the week.)

-Be specific (come to Him with questions or life issues that you really want answers to and expect Him to answer. Apply His answers to your life; take Him at His word.)

-Record it (write down what He shows you so that you can remember His reality when you start to doubt it).

-Put it into action (Do a God-project each week. It could be writing a card to someone who is on your heart or it could be drastic, like going to a pro-life rally or an all-night prayer service).

These are just a few suggestions; I’m sure you can think of much more. The main thing to remember is that middle schoolers need to see relevancy in their lives, which means that if you want God to be real to you, you must make Him a priority first – and live out what you believe. Now go and positively IMPACT the world.

The Shepherd’s Voice (by the teacher)

There are days when I am weary

And I can’t take one more step.

Each word I speak is empty

And my limbs seemed filled with lead.

There are nights when I am fearful

And my heart refuses peace.

Each thought sets me a-tremble

And my mind cannot be set at ease.

There are seasons when I am lonely

And I meet no welcoming face.

My burdens wish to overwhelm me

And I have no friend to share the weight.

There are valleys I must pass through,

With shadows long and dark.

“The path you walk, I chose for you,”

Says a voice that bids me pause and hark.

“But in those dark and lonely hours,

When life’s demands cause you much dread,

Remember the One whom you must follow.

Tis you, not the Shepherd, who must be led.” ~By Miss T

Shepherd (by the student)

A shepherd must lead,

But also follow.

The light he sees,

He must cradle

In his heart, for he never sees

What he should,

And ponders the thoughts forbidden.

A shepherd must

Take responsibility,

To test his ability

To believe in God

And all that is good and right.

All day and all night

A shepherd must love.

A shepherd must listen

To all sounds around him,

For all things are sign from Him.

So he must sing a hymn,

Pray to God,

Tahnk the Lord,

And end a day for a day. ~By Shina, 6th grade

I am taking a survey of my readership. Please tell me your opinion of my blog. Below are some questions that can guide your responses;

-What topics are you inclined to read?

-What aspects of life concern you the most?

-What are some of your hobbies or preferred conversation points?

-Name the last 3 movies you watched or books you read.

-Are there things you would like me to write about?

-Which of my posts were your favorites? Least favorites?

You do not have to answer these questions, but they can guide you if you are not sure what to write about. Feel free to respond with your own thoughts too.  I look forward to hearing from you.