Lessons Learned
A
Neighborly Act Begins With Me Reaching Beyond Myself
The notice on the
bulletin board at the apartment said blind-deaf student needing assistance with
textbook transcription and basic daily life skill help, and on the bottom of
the notice were several tear-off phone numbers. None had been taken. Someone out
there needed help, but who was I to volunteer? I didn’t know anything about blindness,
or deafness, much less both. What could I do? How could I possibly offer any
help? I didn’t tear off a phone number either and proceeded to go about my day.
It troubled me, though. A student needed some help, and I was hoping to be a
teacher. I did have some time. I could probably learn. I went back, took
a phone number, and called. We met, I learned how to help, we became good
friends, and my life was richly blessed from this great opportunity to serve.
It is well known that those who serve are doubly blessed. A willing heart is
all it takes to serve, and a willing heart can be of any age. My
elementary age students understand well about giving, sharing, and serving; it
is built into our curriculum. Service leads to compassion. For our world to
heal, our cities to heal, our families to heal, and our hearts to heal, we must
deny the selfish eyes-on-me mentality and look outward recognizing the need all
around, for in lifting another up our own heart is blessed. What can I do; I am
just a mom, just a teacher, just a worker, just an ordinary neighbor, just a
student. What can I do; I am just a kid. One person with a willing heart can do
a lot. One person with a willing heart can change the world for another
person. Why is teaching and modeling this not a higher priority? Will
higher test scores or greater compassion be more beneficial to the world?
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