Get out of their way!

Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. (Psalm 8:2 NIV)

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” (Matthew 21:16 NIV)

I really value the thoughts and opinions of teenagers. I'm not sure that's popular. The news always targets young people and their poor decision making. Many think they do not have enough life experiences to make those goo choices. I can see that viewpoint. But, I also think those life experiences can get in the way of making good decisions. If you are scarred by some event, it may prevent you from making a clear choice in the future. Sometimes it is better to view an issue through the eye of a child.

 A we approach the best holiday of the year, I can say I am so thankful to get to spend my days with kids that are passionate about lifes issues. They don't just accept things the way they are. They have plans for changing society. We should listen to them. We should hear their thoughts and help them achieve their goals. We throw so many road blocks at them. We fill their lives with trivial things. We attempt to make them carbon copies of ourselves. Why are we surprised when the world stays the same? 

Let's get out of the way of today's youth. Let's give them the tools to really make a difference. Praise God for the teenagers in our lives. Thank you Lord!

Let's get out of their way!

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

It's the first day of school, I'm always excited and nervous about this day and the few weeks we have getting into a routine. This verse is appropriate because this is how I feel about the teenagers I teach. So my message to them is don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. I want to help them be an example for others, even adults. 

It's always been true that young people are looked down on by adults. The older generation doesn't like their music, electronics, social media, attitudes, passions, or mos other things they do. As. a teacher , I love all of those things about teenagers. They love life and even in high school are innocent about life. Sure they make mistakes, so do adults. Most students still have the attitude they want to change the world. If we just get out of their way, they just might.

Here's to another great year at Garrett High School!

Thank you lord for this verse. It is very timely!