Tuesday; August 8

One of the things that our society has done very well in the last century is educate people.  At the beginning of the 20th Century a lot of people lacked a basic education, but now, over 90% of Americans have a High School degree and over half of them have at least some college education.  I think this is a great thing, but I am also convinced that there are some things that a formal education can’t teach us.  These principles have to be instilled in us by influences who care about us and must be personally adopted by each one of us.  Among the lessons to be learned are:
1).  We need to be good people.  Education can teach us facts and how to think, but we must understand that our value comes from being caring people who value those around us.  Positive role models and mentors who hold us accountable for our actions are great influences in this aspect of our lives.
2).  We must learn to cope.  Not everything is going to go the way we expect.  Sometimes it seems like more things go against us than for us.  In all honestly, that is the way life is.  As much as we hate to admit it, life doesn’t revolve around us.  One of the best places this lesson can be taught is at home by parents who care enough about our future not to give in to our self-centeredness.
3).  We must be willing to commit.  There is an old adage that says “quitters never win”.  A lot can be learned by working through difficult situations.  No, we may not always win in the end, but the process of sticking-to-it teaches lessons that overshadow momentary victories.  Sports teams and, yes, even churches, can help us learn the value of commitment.
          I believe in the value of a formal education, but let’s not overlook the need for common sense.  Some success can come from books, but much more of it comes from people who are willing to help us learn about life.
          Think About It!

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