Today I became a parent. I acquired a Shorkie puppy (half Shih Tzu, half Yorkshire terrier), who as yet remains nameless.
Mom & I have been discussing getting a dog or cat for the past year. In September she asked me if I wanted a dog or a cat for Christmas. I've been the skittish one. Having a pet is like having a child, there is a responsibility involved that should not be taken lightly. I'm now responsible for the care and feeding and the training of one of Heavenly Father's darling creatures.
When I was in college and home for the summer, I bought an Irish setter puppy. Dad took her back to the pet store. He said that it wasn't fair to the dog because I hadn't carefully considered the dog's welfare once I returned to school. Setters are good-sized dogs that need lots of exercise-- what would she do while I was at school, at work, or doing homework. She needed lots of attention and I wouldn't be in a position to give it to her. Shawn (my youngest brother) didn't speak to me for a week-- because he had already gotten attached to her &, from his viewpoint, "why did she (meaning me) bring the dog home if she knew she couldn't keep it." At the time I was willing to take the chance that I would be able to keep her, but I hadn't really thought much about her needs. My reasons were somewhat selfish because I just saw how much fun she would be to have around. I hadn't really considered the consequences of my decision as it affected the dog.
Our nameless puppy won't be alone. Actually, I probably wouldn't have bought her except that Mom cried when she held the puppy. My mother never cries to manipulate a situation, it was just that she wanted the puppy so much. Mom & Dad sold their home and moved in with me 18 months ago partially for financial reasons, but mostly because it was getting too stressful to maintain a house and take care of Dad. Dad hasn't been particularly excited about getting a pet, but he is also part of the reason for buying her.
My father had a stroke 6 years ago. His condition has declined a lot in the past year. It's getting harder and harder for him to move his feet. We use the wheelchair when we go out in public. Physical therapy doesn't seem to be helping any more. I thought a small dog might provide some companionship and some entertainment when he is no longer able to leave his bed.
Superheroes never act without considering the consequences of their decisions. They make decisions based upon what is best for everyone who might be affected by their choices. In this case, my decision was based on what is best for my parents and for the puppy-- not necessarily what is easiest for me.
P.S. I'm open to suggestions for her name. At the moment the frontrunners are Sophie and Tinkerbell (Bella).
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Dinner dishes
The dinner dishes are waiting. I’ve tried to avoid them for hours now. There aren’t very many waiting to be transferred from the sink to the dishwasher. It’s just that I’ve had other things to do and now I’ve lost interest in getting the job done.
Mom and Dad were eating dessert when I got home. I ate and got the leftovers into the refrigerator, just in time for my friend Jalee to visit. Before she left, I had turned on the computer to show her something. And I have yet to make it back to the kitchen.
It would take me less than 10 minutes to finish the job. All I have to do is get to my feet and walk into the kitchen. Last time I checked, my arms and legs were functional and not painted on. Why can’t I seem to move them?
This is definitely NOT superhero behavior. Superheroes are quick to finish the small jobs so that they can move on to more important (and interesting) things. Maybe I’m in just a superhero-in-training.
Then again, I can always get up and head for the kitchen. Superheroes don't get sidetracked for long!
Mom and Dad were eating dessert when I got home. I ate and got the leftovers into the refrigerator, just in time for my friend Jalee to visit. Before she left, I had turned on the computer to show her something. And I have yet to make it back to the kitchen.
It would take me less than 10 minutes to finish the job. All I have to do is get to my feet and walk into the kitchen. Last time I checked, my arms and legs were functional and not painted on. Why can’t I seem to move them?
This is definitely NOT superhero behavior. Superheroes are quick to finish the small jobs so that they can move on to more important (and interesting) things. Maybe I’m in just a superhero-in-training.
Then again, I can always get up and head for the kitchen. Superheroes don't get sidetracked for long!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Walking
I’ve never really thought of myself as athletic. Maybe that’s because I always compared myself to the rest of my family and to my friends. Everyone else liked to go hiking and camping and was involved in various sports. I tried to avoid getting dirty.
When I really think about it, however, I realize that my perception of myself is wrong. Just because everyone else was on the swim team didn’t mean that I was a bad swimmer. I didn’t pass the first time I took swimming lessons—but I learned to swim a week later. I took 5 years of swimming lessons and learned all of the strokes. I liked to dive and swam a mile the first time when I was twelve.
I liked archery, even though I wasn’t very good at it. I jumped rope and climbed trees (the easy ones). I was pretty good at gymnastics. I became an OK baseball player-- but not until 5th grade when someone taught me how to pitch and bat. I’ve tried racquetball and tennis. I prefer cross-country skiing, because when it comes to downhill, I do a great left turn, but that doesn’t really count as skiing.
When I look back over my life, I can see that I really was athletic, even if I didn't know it at the time. As an adult, I go walking every day at the mall. I walk between 2 and 3 miles and run up and down the stairs when I can.
Superheroes need strong bodies. They have to be strong enough to get the job done. But superheroes also understand that their bodies need practice in order to develop strength. They find a way to exercise that fits their needs and their own body. The best superheroes find a way to like exercising. It doesn’t matter whether they are very good at the sports they try—because they are looking for fun, not perfection!
When I really think about it, however, I realize that my perception of myself is wrong. Just because everyone else was on the swim team didn’t mean that I was a bad swimmer. I didn’t pass the first time I took swimming lessons—but I learned to swim a week later. I took 5 years of swimming lessons and learned all of the strokes. I liked to dive and swam a mile the first time when I was twelve.
I liked archery, even though I wasn’t very good at it. I jumped rope and climbed trees (the easy ones). I was pretty good at gymnastics. I became an OK baseball player-- but not until 5th grade when someone taught me how to pitch and bat. I’ve tried racquetball and tennis. I prefer cross-country skiing, because when it comes to downhill, I do a great left turn, but that doesn’t really count as skiing.
When I look back over my life, I can see that I really was athletic, even if I didn't know it at the time. As an adult, I go walking every day at the mall. I walk between 2 and 3 miles and run up and down the stairs when I can.
Superheroes need strong bodies. They have to be strong enough to get the job done. But superheroes also understand that their bodies need practice in order to develop strength. They find a way to exercise that fits their needs and their own body. The best superheroes find a way to like exercising. It doesn’t matter whether they are very good at the sports they try—because they are looking for fun, not perfection!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Mysteries and puzzles
I love puzzles and mysteries! I like collecting the clues and trying to put them together to create a cohesive whole. Even the hunt for clues or a particular puzzle piece is interesting!
That doesn't mean I'm the world's greatest detective... it's just something that I like to do. I like the feeling that comes with rising to the challenge and finding the answer. Math, a good mystery novel, genealogy, crossword puzzles, the daily Cryptoquip-- I love them all!
I must admit, however, that I don't always have the patience to deal with some puzzles-- I'm not very good at Sudoku. The mystery of transforming a piece of fabric into a lovely dress or top isn't generally for me. I have the technical skills, but there is an artistic element that I haven't the patience to develop.
Relationships and life... aren't they the greatest mysteries of all?
Superheroes are problem-solvers. When they decide to tackle a problem, they don't give up until they have found the answer. They understand that some puzzles may take years or even a lifetime to resolve. When that happens, they defer judgment, while continuing to gather clues.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
"Friend" and I
When I started college, I shared an apartment with 5 other young women and this frog. He didn't have a name because we didn't want to limit his personality. We just called him "Friend."I have had mixed emotions about adding a personal profile or posting pictures of myself. Those who already know me are familiar with my appearance; adding pictures for them seems redundant. My question to those who do not know me well is "Would a photo become a distraction to getting to know me?"
On a day-to-day basis, superheroes go around disguised as ordinary people. We only recognize them in times of emergency because that's when they don their superhero garb. How often do we walk among superheroes unaware of their amazing abilities and talents? As we meet each new person, what are we thinking? Are we looking for their superpowers, looking for a kindred spirit? Or, are we, like villians, sizing them up for weaknesses to be criticized and exploited?
Superheroes look for the good in people, for that which is worth preserving. Superheroes acknowledge human weakness and failure, not for exploitation, but to determine what actions are necessary to save the needy soul. They look for ways to strengthen those who need their help.
When we look for superheroes in our lives, do we look for the intimate details of their lives-- or does how we feel when we are around them take precendence?
I have come to no firm conclusions. How do you feel about the subject? You can cast your vote in the poll that appears in the right margin.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday and Mary K.
Today I went to visit my long-time friend, Mary K. She's currently a graphic designer, but her list of gifts and talents are long. She has a delightful sense of humor and an extremely quick wit. She has been blessed with performing skills which she has used professionally and in community events. More importantly, she has been a stalwart and true friend. She is compassionate and kind. She's not perfect, but, then, neither am I. Overall, her presence has been a blessing in my life.
Our plans for today hit a few technical glitches. She has a new computer system and the scanners refused to cooperate. So, after a couple of rather unproductive hours, we gave it up... and went out to lunch! That's the wonderful thing about good friends. When the plans go awry, it's easy to change the plans.
We share many interests and talents, although to differing degrees. Yet we each bring unique elements to our friendship as well. Although the path of our friendship has not always run smooth, we share a commitment to our friendship. The truly amazing thing about most of the people with whom I am friends is that what I appreciate most about them has often arisen out of our differences.
Mary K. is dramatic and fun. LuWane is the "queen" of culture-- art, music, literature, and a superb cook to boot! To be perfectly honest, sometimes I feel like I don't quite measure up in comparison to their levels of expertise. The same could be said about all of my friends. That sentiment, however, discounts my own contributions to the friendships. When it comes to relationships, we tend not to be very good mathematicians (or statisticians). There is a tendency to compare one person's strengths with another's weaknesses. There is also a tendency to apply inequal weighting to compensatory skills and talents-- overvaluing some and undervaluing others.
Today Mary K. was to be the teacher and I the student, but in times past our roles have been reversed. Who can say about the future. Let's face it-- if each of us had every gift and talent that we needed in this world, our lives would be solitary and lonely. If we had it all, we wouldn't need anyone or anything. That which brings us the greatest joy in this life is primarily derived from positive relationships with others. The joy is in sharing.
Superheroes understand who they are, both strengths and weaknesses. They share their "super" gifts when they are needed, but they leave enough room in their lives for other superheroes to contribute their unique gifts and talents as well. Can you imagine the confrontation if Superman and Spiderman were to compete against each other to "save" the world? The battle would quickly devolve into being about "them" rather than overcoming evil. Each would be more concerned with trying to outdo the other, instead of focusing on the task at hand. Rather than create a clash of the Titans, superheroes welcome the contributions of others as they seek to make the world a better place for us all.
The superhero tip for the day is: Look for the good in others-- and in ourselves-- and find an opportunity to share.
Our plans for today hit a few technical glitches. She has a new computer system and the scanners refused to cooperate. So, after a couple of rather unproductive hours, we gave it up... and went out to lunch! That's the wonderful thing about good friends. When the plans go awry, it's easy to change the plans.
We share many interests and talents, although to differing degrees. Yet we each bring unique elements to our friendship as well. Although the path of our friendship has not always run smooth, we share a commitment to our friendship. The truly amazing thing about most of the people with whom I am friends is that what I appreciate most about them has often arisen out of our differences.
Mary K. is dramatic and fun. LuWane is the "queen" of culture-- art, music, literature, and a superb cook to boot! To be perfectly honest, sometimes I feel like I don't quite measure up in comparison to their levels of expertise. The same could be said about all of my friends. That sentiment, however, discounts my own contributions to the friendships. When it comes to relationships, we tend not to be very good mathematicians (or statisticians). There is a tendency to compare one person's strengths with another's weaknesses. There is also a tendency to apply inequal weighting to compensatory skills and talents-- overvaluing some and undervaluing others.
Today Mary K. was to be the teacher and I the student, but in times past our roles have been reversed. Who can say about the future. Let's face it-- if each of us had every gift and talent that we needed in this world, our lives would be solitary and lonely. If we had it all, we wouldn't need anyone or anything. That which brings us the greatest joy in this life is primarily derived from positive relationships with others. The joy is in sharing.
Superheroes understand who they are, both strengths and weaknesses. They share their "super" gifts when they are needed, but they leave enough room in their lives for other superheroes to contribute their unique gifts and talents as well. Can you imagine the confrontation if Superman and Spiderman were to compete against each other to "save" the world? The battle would quickly devolve into being about "them" rather than overcoming evil. Each would be more concerned with trying to outdo the other, instead of focusing on the task at hand. Rather than create a clash of the Titans, superheroes welcome the contributions of others as they seek to make the world a better place for us all.
The superhero tip for the day is: Look for the good in others-- and in ourselves-- and find an opportunity to share.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Polishing halos and cleaning capes
This morning I was reminded of an event that took place when I was in elementary school, probably about second grade.
I was in the office at Harvey Clark Elementary waiting for my mother to pick me up from school. Mr. McCammon, the school principal, came out of his office and started to chat with me. During the course of the conversation, he asked me a question, most likely about my reasons for being in the office. My immediate response was "Yup!"
He asked if I meant to say "Yes."-- "Yup" was my reply.
Again he gently prodded, 'Did you mean to say "yes?"' -- "Yup!"
After a few more attempts to elicit "Yes" instead up "Yup," he changed his approach. "Are you a little Dutch girl?" he asked.
I was quick to respond, "Nope!"
How often in life are we given subtle clues that it's time to polish our halos or to take some other step to improve our presentation? Mr. McCammon was trying to teach me to communicate more precisely. My language wasn't offensive in any way, just a bit sloppy.
Superheroes are careful in their speech. When in their alter-ego disguise, they have to think before they speak lest they somehow reveal their true identity. In their superhero guise, they are equally circumspect. In every situation, they recognize the need to understand and to be understood in order to meet the demands of frequently tense, and perhaps life-threatening, events. They choose words that bring calmness and civility to the discourse and encourage similar communication from others.
When confronting villians, the superhero's words are direct, yet somehow inoffensive. By their very language, superheroes show that they are in control and can be relied upon by those who are weak or in peril. There also seems to be a kindly good humor in their conversation.
Superheroes are sufficiently strong in themselves, that they don't need to convince others that they are worthy of respect. Words enhance their communication and are never used as weapons to overwhelm or harm another. I cannot think of a single instance when a superhero has used profane or otherwise coarse language. Maybe it's because profanity is another form of sloppy language.
If I have any aspirations for my blog, it is to enrich the lives of those who read it. If I cannot contribute something positive to the dialogue, then my efforts are pointless and unworthy. I welcome your comments.
I was in the office at Harvey Clark Elementary waiting for my mother to pick me up from school. Mr. McCammon, the school principal, came out of his office and started to chat with me. During the course of the conversation, he asked me a question, most likely about my reasons for being in the office. My immediate response was "Yup!"
He asked if I meant to say "Yes."-- "Yup" was my reply.
Again he gently prodded, 'Did you mean to say "yes?"' -- "Yup!"
After a few more attempts to elicit "Yes" instead up "Yup," he changed his approach. "Are you a little Dutch girl?" he asked.
I was quick to respond, "Nope!"
How often in life are we given subtle clues that it's time to polish our halos or to take some other step to improve our presentation? Mr. McCammon was trying to teach me to communicate more precisely. My language wasn't offensive in any way, just a bit sloppy.
Superheroes are careful in their speech. When in their alter-ego disguise, they have to think before they speak lest they somehow reveal their true identity. In their superhero guise, they are equally circumspect. In every situation, they recognize the need to understand and to be understood in order to meet the demands of frequently tense, and perhaps life-threatening, events. They choose words that bring calmness and civility to the discourse and encourage similar communication from others.
When confronting villians, the superhero's words are direct, yet somehow inoffensive. By their very language, superheroes show that they are in control and can be relied upon by those who are weak or in peril. There also seems to be a kindly good humor in their conversation.
Superheroes are sufficiently strong in themselves, that they don't need to convince others that they are worthy of respect. Words enhance their communication and are never used as weapons to overwhelm or harm another. I cannot think of a single instance when a superhero has used profane or otherwise coarse language. Maybe it's because profanity is another form of sloppy language.
If I have any aspirations for my blog, it is to enrich the lives of those who read it. If I cannot contribute something positive to the dialogue, then my efforts are pointless and unworthy. I welcome your comments.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Lessons from Las Vegas
Mari (my sister) and I met in Las Vegas last weekend. She had been nagging me for months about attending a singles' conference there that was being sponsored by the church. She's also been adamant about going to see Donny and Marie Osmond in concert. She was probably wise to get me to pay for the hotel and the concert tickets over a month ago.
I'm comfortable being single. Sure I dated when I was younger, but I came to terms with my marital status-- or lack thereof-- a long time ago. Whenever I thought about the weekend, all I could see was the money I would be spending for a "nice" weekend. I was going because it was important to her, but not because I was particularly interested myself.
How many times do we do things even the tiniest bit grudgingly just to humor someone else? How often do we even try to dredge up a teeny bit of enthusiasm because it is important to the other person? How hard do we try to hide our lack of true commitment or support? Or, are we more likely to let it slip, either by word or expression, that we just aren't that interested? That's how I felt on Wednesday before I left.
How superhero is that? As I see it, the real superhero is willing to risk everything-- his or her very life-- in another's behalf. And those who truly understand superhero-ness, know that the hardest tests of one's super powers rarely involve life-threatening saves. The true tests are those which challenge the stinginess lurking in some dark corner of our heart. Because if we aren't willing to take joy in facilitating another's smallest happiness, what makes us think that we will ever be willing to offer our all when the time comes? The true superhero is willing to give what needs to be given at the moment the need exists. Superheroes don't ask if the situation will bring them glory-- they give. The moment the need has been filled, they quickly revert to their unassuming alter-ego and disappear into the crowd. They recognize when it's time to move on and do so with alacrity.
Now that the weekend has passed, I can share what I learned. I experienced high after high after high-- without drugs or alcohol, without doing anything illegal or immoral.
The concert was great. Donny and Marie are wonderful performers and I don't begrudge the price of the tickets. As a matter of fact, now that they've extended their contract, Mari says we are going again and next time we'll have the most expensive seats in the house.
The conference sessions were interesting, educational, and uplifting, and encouraged us to draw from and develop our own gifts and talents. Another experience that was worth every penny expended.
Lastly, we spent a phenomenal evening at the Bouchon Bistro at the Venetian. Chef Chris Herrin, head pastry chef at Bouchon, was one of the presenters at the conference. He brought along Chef Scott Whitfield and other chefs from the restaurant to demonstrate how to make a couple of simple desserts. At the end of the day and despite attempts to avoid Las Vegas Boulevard, Mari and I found ourselves having dinner at Bouchon on Valentine's Day (aka, "Single Awareness Day"). It wasn't just that the food was amazing-- the best part of the evening was that Chef Chris took us on a tour of the kitchen! We went away truly feeling "wined and dined" (without the alcohol) and treated like royalty by everyone associated with the restaurant.
This was one of the best weekends of my life!! I can't imagine how much more the experience might have been enhanced had I spent the days and weeks before it looking forward with anticipation instead of that tiny degree of dread. Let the superhero's positive attitude shine forth!
One last observation about the weekend... At the conference, there were several times when chairs needed to be moved from one venue to another. Those hosting the conference often asked the men in the group to help move the folding chairs. Some of the the men stood in lines for lunch and dinner, making comments about the meals being delayed. At the same time, other men repeatedly passed by carrying chairs. I came to the conclusion that, were I in the market for a husband, I want one of the workers. Superheroes aren't afraid to work-- and I want to be counted among them.
I'm comfortable being single. Sure I dated when I was younger, but I came to terms with my marital status-- or lack thereof-- a long time ago. Whenever I thought about the weekend, all I could see was the money I would be spending for a "nice" weekend. I was going because it was important to her, but not because I was particularly interested myself.
How many times do we do things even the tiniest bit grudgingly just to humor someone else? How often do we even try to dredge up a teeny bit of enthusiasm because it is important to the other person? How hard do we try to hide our lack of true commitment or support? Or, are we more likely to let it slip, either by word or expression, that we just aren't that interested? That's how I felt on Wednesday before I left.
How superhero is that? As I see it, the real superhero is willing to risk everything-- his or her very life-- in another's behalf. And those who truly understand superhero-ness, know that the hardest tests of one's super powers rarely involve life-threatening saves. The true tests are those which challenge the stinginess lurking in some dark corner of our heart. Because if we aren't willing to take joy in facilitating another's smallest happiness, what makes us think that we will ever be willing to offer our all when the time comes? The true superhero is willing to give what needs to be given at the moment the need exists. Superheroes don't ask if the situation will bring them glory-- they give. The moment the need has been filled, they quickly revert to their unassuming alter-ego and disappear into the crowd. They recognize when it's time to move on and do so with alacrity.
Now that the weekend has passed, I can share what I learned. I experienced high after high after high-- without drugs or alcohol, without doing anything illegal or immoral.
The concert was great. Donny and Marie are wonderful performers and I don't begrudge the price of the tickets. As a matter of fact, now that they've extended their contract, Mari says we are going again and next time we'll have the most expensive seats in the house.
The conference sessions were interesting, educational, and uplifting, and encouraged us to draw from and develop our own gifts and talents. Another experience that was worth every penny expended.
Lastly, we spent a phenomenal evening at the Bouchon Bistro at the Venetian. Chef Chris Herrin, head pastry chef at Bouchon, was one of the presenters at the conference. He brought along Chef Scott Whitfield and other chefs from the restaurant to demonstrate how to make a couple of simple desserts. At the end of the day and despite attempts to avoid Las Vegas Boulevard, Mari and I found ourselves having dinner at Bouchon on Valentine's Day (aka, "Single Awareness Day"). It wasn't just that the food was amazing-- the best part of the evening was that Chef Chris took us on a tour of the kitchen! We went away truly feeling "wined and dined" (without the alcohol) and treated like royalty by everyone associated with the restaurant.
This was one of the best weekends of my life!! I can't imagine how much more the experience might have been enhanced had I spent the days and weeks before it looking forward with anticipation instead of that tiny degree of dread. Let the superhero's positive attitude shine forth!
One last observation about the weekend... At the conference, there were several times when chairs needed to be moved from one venue to another. Those hosting the conference often asked the men in the group to help move the folding chairs. Some of the the men stood in lines for lunch and dinner, making comments about the meals being delayed. At the same time, other men repeatedly passed by carrying chairs. I came to the conclusion that, were I in the market for a husband, I want one of the workers. Superheroes aren't afraid to work-- and I want to be counted among them.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Superhero's Life, an Introduction
Welcome! In an introductory note, let me explain how my blog got its name...
I teach Sunday School. OK, technically I teach Primary, but for those who are unfamiliar with my religious persuasion, Sunday school is close enough.
Of course, that isn’t my only role in life. It’s just one of my more humbling roles.
I teach a group of eleven and twelve year olds. They are the oldest Primary class and are transitioning to the classes for the young men and women. They can’t wait to turn twelve so that they won’t have to spend the second hour in “sharing time” because they are too mature for that now.
Don’t misunderstand me. These are great kids and I love each and every one of them. I can even understand where they’re coming from. My birthday falls at the end of October and I made the deadline for starting school by 15 days. Most of my best friends were almost an entire year older than I was. The day after my 12th birthday, I was no longer plain old twelve—I was “almost thirteen!” For them, Primary is already in the rearview mirror. They already see themselves as teens.
I am much more comfortable teaching adults. With adults, one assumes that they have accepted some degree of responsibility for their lives, personal beliefs, and degree of spirituality. What I find intimidating about teaching younger people is that every aspect of their lives is still under construction. Adults are gullible, they rarely look beyond the façade. These kids, however, have higher expectations. If I have any hope of reaching them, I have to actively practice what I preach. It’s not enough to tell them that Heavenly Father and Jesus know them and love them. I have to know them and love them.
These kids look for congruency between my beliefs, my words, and my actions. My parents never tried that old saw, "Do as I say, and not as I do," but it never would have flown with me-- and today's kids are a lot more savvy than I was at their age. They are smart enough to know that we all have bad days. They are willing to accept something less than perfection, but they have a right to expect an honest effort on my part to follow the Savior's example. I can expect nothing less for them or from them.
To introduce this year's course of study, we had a discussion about what it meant to be a superhero. The common theme was that job of a superhero was to "save the world." We all agreed, however, that sometimes we save the world one person at a time. It's only in extraordinary circumstances that we may assist in saving tens or hundreds or thousands at once. The ultimate superhero is Jesus Christ because he was specifically sent to accomplish for us those things which we would be incapable of doing for ourselves. As our class studies the Scriptures this year, we would discover that it's basically an instruction manual for anyone and everyone who has a desire to become a true superhero. To those who keep journals, I suggested that they title them "My life as a Superhero." Could I do anything less myself?
I do not anticipate that my future musings will be always religious in nature. They will reflect the current events of my life and the world around me.
So... welcome to my world!
I teach Sunday School. OK, technically I teach Primary, but for those who are unfamiliar with my religious persuasion, Sunday school is close enough.
Of course, that isn’t my only role in life. It’s just one of my more humbling roles.
I teach a group of eleven and twelve year olds. They are the oldest Primary class and are transitioning to the classes for the young men and women. They can’t wait to turn twelve so that they won’t have to spend the second hour in “sharing time” because they are too mature for that now.
Don’t misunderstand me. These are great kids and I love each and every one of them. I can even understand where they’re coming from. My birthday falls at the end of October and I made the deadline for starting school by 15 days. Most of my best friends were almost an entire year older than I was. The day after my 12th birthday, I was no longer plain old twelve—I was “almost thirteen!” For them, Primary is already in the rearview mirror. They already see themselves as teens.
I am much more comfortable teaching adults. With adults, one assumes that they have accepted some degree of responsibility for their lives, personal beliefs, and degree of spirituality. What I find intimidating about teaching younger people is that every aspect of their lives is still under construction. Adults are gullible, they rarely look beyond the façade. These kids, however, have higher expectations. If I have any hope of reaching them, I have to actively practice what I preach. It’s not enough to tell them that Heavenly Father and Jesus know them and love them. I have to know them and love them.
These kids look for congruency between my beliefs, my words, and my actions. My parents never tried that old saw, "Do as I say, and not as I do," but it never would have flown with me-- and today's kids are a lot more savvy than I was at their age. They are smart enough to know that we all have bad days. They are willing to accept something less than perfection, but they have a right to expect an honest effort on my part to follow the Savior's example. I can expect nothing less for them or from them.
To introduce this year's course of study, we had a discussion about what it meant to be a superhero. The common theme was that job of a superhero was to "save the world." We all agreed, however, that sometimes we save the world one person at a time. It's only in extraordinary circumstances that we may assist in saving tens or hundreds or thousands at once. The ultimate superhero is Jesus Christ because he was specifically sent to accomplish for us those things which we would be incapable of doing for ourselves. As our class studies the Scriptures this year, we would discover that it's basically an instruction manual for anyone and everyone who has a desire to become a true superhero. To those who keep journals, I suggested that they title them "My life as a Superhero." Could I do anything less myself?
I do not anticipate that my future musings will be always religious in nature. They will reflect the current events of my life and the world around me.
So... welcome to my world!
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