I’m spending the weekend with my youngest daughter. We are visiting some colleges in NC preparing well in advance as she is presently a high school sophomore. As a parent going from campus to campus seeing the vast number of students, buildings and activities I naturally begin to ponder how my child will fair. My daughter gave me a glimpse yesterday.
During our many walks between buildings my daughter shared with me a particular lesson from Life Skills class she is taking. Several weeks ago in class they were to review the movie “Remember the Titans” and draw certain personal characteristics from the varying roles. These characteristics ranged from integrity, self-disciple, caring, respect, responsibility, perseverance and courage. She rattled all seven off as though they were second nature with a complete description reflecting the value if each trait.
Now my daughter is experiencing growing pains like any other 15 year old. The idea of riding across the state of NC on a Saturday to see schools she other wise might not attend is not how she would chose to spend our time. However, knowing or unknowingly she was demonstrating the exact characteristics and actions for which she had just described. We had a very pleasant day even though is was long and she did nearly all the driving for dear ‘ole dad.
We don’t know when our actions might become an example to others. But if we live each day to honor Jesus, our behavior will model His righteousness, no matter who is watching.
Idealism and enthusiasm are often best expressed by the young. But uprightness and honor should be goals for Christians of every age. Paul tells of the glory of our youth: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
My daughter has a desire to change the way people behave towards one another, by being an example herself. We all can learn from people every day, sometimes especially from our youth.
See you next Sunday,
MJ