Rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels,
each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels,
and each student demonstrates learning at high levels (Blackburn, 2008).

Friday, April 15, 2011

Do you lead an abundant life?

I was very close to my grandmother, who died at age 80 in 1990.  Last weekend, I was going through some old materials and found this typed poem/essay called The Abundant Life.  There is no source, and I have investigated the source with no results, so if you know who wrote this, please let me know (also, due to the date, please know that the term man applies to everyone).  They may not all apply to you, but I found them meaningful.  I also wondered how we have come so far that our students so often do not reflect this.  I apologize for not sounding hopeful with that sentence....I am very hopeful that the power of one teacher will continue to influence one or more students positively.  I am also sure that if you are reading this, you have made a positive impact.  Have a good weekend.

The Abundant Life
A man is educated:
When he can associate with scholars and yet retain the simple faith;
When he learns to appreciate the small kindnesses by others;
When he has learned to say the appropriate thing to other people;
When he can associate with the wealthy and yet retain the common touch;
When he can accept unkindnesses of others without becoming angry, 
     realizing they are caused by 
     inadequacies, misfortunes, or misunderstandings;
When honor and fame bring tears of appreciation and humility to his eyes, 
     rather than haughtiness to his countenance;
When he can most seriously and understandingly explain the simplest of 
     phenomena;
When he can associate with evil companions and not lose his virtue;
When he is at home both in the world of ideas and the world of 
     practical activities;
When he realizes that other people are to be loved and appreciated as 
     ends within themselves and not as means to his own ends;
When he becomes sensitive to the needs of others;
When he can give all of himself to others, and only desire their eternal love.
When a man reaches this point, he is not only educated, 
     but he has found the abundant life. 

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