Combining those two ideas, I was thinking of a time I was challenged myself.
My orchestra was on our way to a big competition in Santa Clara, California. I sat with a group of the older and supposedly “cooler” kids. We were talking, playing games and such, just to keep ourselves entertained on the road. Then, all of a sudden, they started making horrible fun of my viola teacher.
“MAY-zure” they mockingly pronounced the way she said measure, and poked fun at her confused fast tempo of class, and I believe her lisp as well.
I had then had enough.
I told them: “So what if she says things differently? Who cares if she did get a little ahead of herself, and ran things in class a little fast? She volunteers her time to help us each week. She helped us get to the competition.” Needless to say, they kind of shunned me for that, but it was what I had to do.
I was glad I had stood up for her. But, what about the other times I hadn’t always stood up for others, or my principals? Like when a peer had been bullied upon by others, or I had seen someone else struggling with their things?
Many times in my life, I am known as being the one person who stops and helps, and stands up for someone in need. Yet, I believe I should make more of an effort as a person.
So, in this Christmas (and Channukah) season, I challenge you to do the same. I remind, simply put in the wise words of W. T. Ellis:
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
If you have any questions or comments, e-mail me at bcmakidsview@gmail.com.