The Observation Of Others

“Get away from me kid, you bother me!” W.C. Fields didn’t have much use for children. It seems every time Fields was “cooking up” a scheme to fleece someone of their money or property, a young boy would appear looking over his shoulder to learn from the master. Well, that’s how children mostly learn, by observation. The local school district has an annual luncheon for businesses and church congregations honoring and thanking them for the help they provide throughout the year for families in crisis. Oh, by the way, May 6 – 12 is National Family Week. Okay, back to my thought. How did all these people get involved? The school district, and I don’t think we’re unique here, has a very conscientious and concerned social department, that reaches into the community, with love, to find the resources needed to help families out of a crisis that has hindered the learning abilities of their children. For example: food, clothing, utility costs, legal counseling, medical help, and the list goes on and on. The things most of us take for granted could have a huge negative impact on other families. The whole community recognizes the needs and willingly pitches in. Personally, I think it’s the social workers that deserve the pat on the back for caring and loving enough to do what needs to be done to see that every child has the best of chances to learn and prosper. My hat’s off to them for having the courage to ask for help from the community and not turning their back on those less fortunate. I know this could be argued all day long, but when I get the call I know there’s a real need and a child is suffering. I answer the call.
During the minister’s prayer one Sunday morning, there came a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Gary’s mother was horrified! She pinched him into silence. After worship she asked him, “Gary, what made you do such a thing?” Gary answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle and He just did!”
A grandmother was curious as to whether her granddaughter had learned her colors so decided to test her. She would point out something and ask her what color it was. The girl would always respond with the correct answer. The grandmother was having fun so continued the little game. With some frustration in her voice the little girl said, “Grandma, I think it’s about time you tried to figure out some of these yourself!”
[Psalm 1] Families, and the children thereof, are on a journey of growth, which includes a huge learning curve, not equally achieved by everyone. My children are grown and successful, and if I had to do it all over again, knowing what I know now, I’d certainly do things different. I find it hard, sometimes, to keep from using my knowledge to chastise the lack of knowledge in others, not remembering I once was ignorant. So, I’m happy to serve in the background and not on the front lines, but I continue to learn by observation of others. We all learn by observation from birth to death. What are you showing the less fortunate? Giving from a virtuous heart will relieve tension, combat depression, reduce stress, improve blood circulation, invigorate, rejuvenate, generate good will and elevate self esteem. And guess what? This applies not only to the recipient, but the giver also! I see great things happening in our schools. Children are being taught to look out for one another, with love and concern. We need to look over the master’s shoulder, Jesus, to become the examples our children need to observe.