Friday, March 19, 2010

Give somebody a chance to Shine

Figured its time for a another blog. Not a long one today. Just a thought really. By the way the library initiative is going well. We elected a librarian the other day. When it comes to running a meeting in Kenya it is a lot different than the US. I can rarely tell what people want in these meetings. So when I say election basically it means I chose someone and the club members supported it. Very democratic, probably not. Anyway I later found out that the student I chose is not known to be a stand out student. The student doesn't really display much confidence or have many leadership skills. I thought oh boy, did I make the wrong choice? Turns out I don't think a better student could be the librarian. She has really stepped up to the plate and excelled in the role. She is showing confidence and asserting herself when it comes to the library rules. Other teachers have even told me that they have pleasantly surprised at how well she is dived into the role. It makes me wonder how often this happens to students and even grown-ups. We see people who have achievements and accomplishments under their belts and it is only natural to reward and entrust them with other jobs and responsibilities. What about those who have never been given chances to prove themselves. Just showing a person that he or she is trusted with a duty can do wonders in achieving self-fulfilling prophecy. It is difficult to believe you can do it if nobody else does. People we label as lazy and irresponsible usually know when they are given this label, and why not live up to it if people already believe it. This is a lesson that I am going to try to take to heart when interacting with people.
Matthew 25:29 says To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.

I say in order to do well with what they are given they must first be given something to do well with.

Anyway that is my thought for the day. I hope you are all well and had a happy St. Patrick's Day. I am still looking for a way to watch March Madness games here. I can't believe how fast the time is flying. I will be home before you know it.
Peace