I see it every day. People often act, react, speak or want to be noticed because they are possibly trying to mask something.
Being a middle school teacher, it is evident to me that when I see a kid behaving one way with me, then turn and see how they treat others (whether it’s another student or even sadly another teacher) it can break my heart. Why? Are they longing to belong? Do they enjoy being the “bully”? Most of the time, these people (adults as well) are the ones who have “stuff” going on in their lives at home.
We don’t know what is going through other’s thoughts and in their private lives. And they may not want us to know as well. So what do they do…they (we) either become introverted (the quiet secluded one), a bully (always picking an argument or hurting someone’s feelings), the “funny” one on campus make others laugh and “my” troubles will seem small), the loud and obnoxious one (“Here I am. Watch me. Pay attention to me!”), or whatever type of behavior they choose to “get noticed/or not”.
News flash…no one’s life is perfect. No one has it all together. But if we allow God to penetrate through us, I’m thinking that He can/will shine through us instead of the behavior that causes us to be noticed in a way that deems unnecessary or undesirable.
Last night I had the television to myself. With three teens and a husband, it’s not often that momma (me) is in control of the television. Yea, I could/can/and do go to one of the other TVs in the home, but I enjoy hanging with the family and observing what they like to view.
While scheming through the channels I saw “Destiny and Power – The Private Diaries of George Herbert Walker Bush” come across the screen. I always thought he was a tenderhearted man that had to make some tough decisions so I decided to stay on the Fox News channel. Boy am I glad I did.
The statement I mentioned above, “We don’t know what is going through other’s thoughts and in their private lives” was evident in this moving piece. I was impressed and grateful for the man who was our 41st president of the United States.
Instead of me recreating the synopsis, read this for yourself:
“Based on the definitive new biography, “Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush,” by Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham, this special provides an exclusive look at a side of America’s 41st President never before seen – or heard. For the first time, you will hear Bush’s private thoughts, spoken into a hand-held tape recorder. Capturing intimate moments of triumph and sorrow, these historic recordings portray a President that the public never knew. You will hear first-hand accounts from those who know the burden of our nation’s highest office, including Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. In addition you will hear from Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney, as well as Secretary of State James Baker, Neil Bush and author Jon Meacham, whose work on this book spanned almost two decades. Through Fox News Reporting’s exclusive access, you will come to know the 41st President in a new and revealing way.” (http://www.foxnews.com/shows/fox-news-reporting.html)
Delving into one’s private thoughts and life gives us a different perspective about them.
I want to encourage you to, like the old saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”.
When that someone at school, work, at the store, or even at home is causing you to have unpleasant thoughts about them because of their actions or words, just remember…we all have “stuff” going on in our lives. Help shine a little Jesus on them. Be an encourager. Smile. Give a kind word. For goodness sake, if you know them well enough, ask them about what’s going on. It doesn’t cost anything to just be nice.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie