Skip to main content

Freedom

By

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.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for visiting :)

Popular posts from this blog

Confessions of an Unlikely Teacher

By
Most of the choices I have had to make in my life have been between right and wrong, or a selection of one option among many.  I haven't often been required to make choices of elimination where I have two great things, but must sacrifice one in order to keep the other.   When I made the decision to apply to BYU, it was an easy choice.  I could choose any university I wanted, but that was the only one I had interest in.  I had always wanted to go there.  My best friends all wanted to go there.  I applied early.  I was accepted.  It was great.  I was anxious of course to know whether I would get in or not, but I never had to act on my back-up plans.   My choice to go on a mission was a little more tricky, but still obvious.  I had wanted to serve a mission from the time I was 15, and although other opportunities presented themselves along the way, like school and boys, when the time came, there wasn't much to think about. ...
6 comments
Read more

Music

By
" We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer." -J. Reuben Clark, 1936 I believe that is true.  The majority of my most significant life events, especially those that have increased my testimony, have had something to do with music.  Take a peek at some of my favorites. Perfect Love I Know That My Redeemer Lives O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Nearer My God to Thee Nessun Dorma Don't Give Up Hourglass Come Thou Fount As I Am My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee He (II) Rob Gardner A Little More Like Thee
2 comments
Read more

Thoughts on the Confession

By
I read an article today that's been floating around the internet.  It made me think.  It was written by an LDS bishop about the lessons he has learned by simply listening to the people who seek his guidance as their local spiritual leader.  I was humbled by the many significant statements he made about his lessons learned, and found these especially insightful: I have learned that we believe it is a strength to conceal weakness. I am a major culprit of this one.  Not just weakness, but every undesirable attribute.  Why is it so natural to pretend all the time and put up such a fake front? I have learned that it is easy to want others to overlook our flaws as we expect perfection in them. Sorry, Honey. I have learned that it is hardest to show compassion and grant forgiveness to those closest to us. True. I have learned that to deal with life’s pain most of us choose one of the following: alcohol, drugs, pornography, or spirituality. This, I think, was...
1 comment
Read more