Last time I talked about my vineyard. I traced a personal response to Jesus’ story about a vineyard owner. It’s the way Americans tend to view most lessons, because we’re an individual-oriented culture. As I learn more about Jesus, I’m not sure it’s the best perspective. He spoke frequently in the context of community. The […]
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Noisemakers
Principles written on paper aren’t worth much. Unless, of course, they’re backed up with action. High-sounding honor codes mean nothing if they’re not reflected in tough choices. It’s the behavior that’s matters. I’ve told you before that in later years my classroom operated on a single principle: Everyone (including the teacher) gets treated with dignity […]
Continue readingWill It Be Okay?
Yes, it is going to be okay. I know that, because I know who holds my future in His hands. I absolutely, positively know it is going to be okay. What I don’t know is when it will be okay, or exactly what okay will look like. I believe in science and math. I’m a […]
Continue readingYou Can’t Cram For The Test
A test paints a picture. Good teachers craft tests to provide a carefully-targeted picture of what students have learned. Great teaching is the process of helping students prepare to do as well as possible on the test. The ultimate job of a great teacher is to anticipate, as much as possible, the difficult, inescapable, real-world […]
Continue readingCool To Be Kind
“We can choose to be kind…rather than right.” Very cool guidance from an expert on dementia care – when dealing with someone who struggles to remember, we can give up our right to be right and choose kindness instead. We frequently tend to forget that elderly people who struggle to remember details because of dementia […]
Continue readingHere It Comes!
2019: A brand new year. Time for the lists. Best of. Worst of. Top 10. _____ of the year. And resolutions. There will be lots of resolutions, things to begin or end, to do more of or less of. Gyms will be crowded for a couple of weeks. Nothing really special about New Years Day. […]
Continue readingNot How I Would Do It
A tiny baby in a manger. Vulnerable. Poor. Experienced gossip, injustice, discrimination. He could’ve come with an army of angels, but he chose to be born and to live among the marginalized and disenfranchised. Christmas isn’t about the conquering Savior. It’s about sacrifice and service and strength in weakness. It’s probably not how you and […]
Continue readingLook Again
Ever see a brand new idea wrapped in familiar words? Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” It’s part of the sermon on the mount. He spoke to a crowd. You…plural. All of us. Light, not lights. You, me, all of us…one light, the light of the world. We’re in this together.
Continue readingWho’s Your Neighbor?
This week America celebrates the life of its 41st president. George H. W. Bush lived a remarkable life marked by devotion to service. Among 41’s considerable accomplishments, I’m personally grateful for his support of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Bush’s 1989 signing of the ADA marked a major milestone in civil rights legislation. Like […]
Continue readingFaith And Fake Thanks
I’m having a tough time feeling thankful. Details aren’t important, and honestly it’s hard to admit because tomorrow’s THE BIG DAY and I’m surrounded by blessings I don’t deserve and we’re supposed to be thankful. What in the world is wrong with me…how can I possibly not be thankful? Wait…I never said I’m not thankful. […]
Continue readingIt’s Hard To Avoid…
…becoming cynical. …the temptation to fight back. …dividing the world into winners and losers. …believing winning matters more than anything else. …letting disappointment become anger. …letting the anger effect other parts of life. …refusing to let it go. …demonizing everyone on the other side. …the desire to go beyond winning and harm your enemies. …losing […]
Continue readingJust Listen
“Why don’t we just listen?” Heard that question a lot lately. Someone has a difficult story, and others wonder why simply listening seems beyond our cultural capability. I get it. Even in ideal circumstances, deep, non-judgmental listening takes a great deal of effort. Put the story in an emotionally-charged (or politically-charged) situation and one has […]
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