What Else is Going On - May 3

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65; Wisdom 9:1, 7-18; Col. (3:18-4:1)2-18; Luke 7:36-50

I am married to a life-long educator, which also means there is no escaping learning at every opportunity. Before we moved to Virginia for me to go to seminary, Anne was the Middle School Division Director for an Independent School in our hometown.  It was a role that blended her love and cares for students with helping to create an environment that impacted teachers as well, all while listening to the concerns and hopes of parents. 

One of the lessons that she has worked to impart on me over and over is to always ask the question, “What else is going on?”  When a student was acting out in class, causing trouble for teachers or classmates, Anne’s first question was always, “what else is going on in their life?”  If she could gain an understanding of what was going on at home or with their family, it would often change the way she would understand what was taking place in the classroom.  If she could begin to grasp the weight of what was impacting the student, she could better address care, support, and discipline.  And 9 out of 10 times, there was always more to the story. 

It helps to have a bigger picture to understand each other, and why we have arrived to be the people we are today, and in most cases how we act and respond to each other.  We humans are complex, with experiences, feelings, and even traumas that have shaped us into who we are.  And we far too often dismiss each other when we fail to dig a little deeper and ask, “What else is going on?” 

Paul lets us know in today’s reading that more is going on.  It’s an odd statement that stands out: “Remember my chains.”  He uses it as he concludes his letter to the Colossians.  It’s as if he implies, “don’t just remember me and my love for you, but what I am experiencing today and how it is impacting me!”  “Remember my chains.”  There is more to the story!  

We would do well to remember what we all have been through that has shaped us too to be the people we are today, but that’s difficult to do.  Maybe it’s a little easier just to ask, “What else is going on?”  It probably helps us to get to the same place and I have to believe that’s a good start.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What are some instances where your opinion of someone has changed when you found out what they had been through?

Daily Challenge:  Today, when you find yourself frustrated with the position or beliefs of a person, try to suspend judgment, and instead seek to understand how they have arrived at their position.