Freedom

Yesterday I had a meeting with the parents of one of my students. She has missed 44 days of school and been tardy 43 days. In our meeting, my principal and our community specialist talked with these people through their issues and why Lexie hasn't been coming to school. It always amazes me to see how some people live and truly believe that they can do no wrong or that the world is out to get them. It was everyone's fault except their own, from the Mormons to the teachers to me personally, the school system in general, the illnesses of family members, the doctors...the list went on and on. It is interesting that some people just can't connect that choices have consequences. It made me want to better myself and to never back down from the responsibilities I should carry. What a sad life it would be to always think that someone is out to get me or to excuse myself time after time from the consequences of my actions. On the other hand, it made me think about the positive side of choice and accountability. When I want something to happen, I really do have the power to make it happen. Our decisions determine our destiny. Don't be fooled into thinking anything else.

As I watched this clip from Elder Ballard, I thought of this family that has given up a lot of their agency because of choices that they have made. I hope I can help their daughter when she is in my classroom and that I can avoid the way of thinking which they subject her to each day. I hope I can be a better example of peace and that I can show my dedication to serving the Savior through my actions and the way I treat other people with kindness and consideration.