Day 3: Off the Hook

One of the worst things someone can say to an educator when they missed class or the crux of an educational event is “Did I miss anything?” I have had many, many people ask me this question or state its sister question “How important is it that I attend XY or Z?” As an educator I want to scream, you missed genius conversation, pinnacle opportunities for discovery and irreplaceable relationship building! I want to sarcastically drawl, “Oh it’s not really too important that you attend, the others will carry your weight, I’m sure you can google all the information anyway and your lack of commitment will hardly be noticed.”

What I typically end up doing, however, is helping the individual or family arrive at a solution that families and individuals are seriously lacking the skills to do on their own these days. The analysis of weighing opportunities, priorities and making decisions that reflect one’s values, beliefs, and matches their long term goals is rapidly depleting from the pre-frontal cortex. It may be that people are pretty much used to being told what to do and where to go, or perhaps they let society support and make their decisions for them. I am not sure why this phenomenon exists. I only know that when people look to me to “let them off the hook,” I typically provide counsel rather than relief. (I get that from my mother.)

As people redeemed by our Savior, belonging to a sovereign God and living after the resurrection of his Son - the way we live, make decisions, and prioritize should reflect the redemption we have received. To belong to something means that we are a suitable member of that place or with that person. On our own accord, we are neither suitable nor a member of God’s family, yet with his redemption we are made righteous and holy and are adopted as his children. Our lives and decisions should reflect the Grace and Mercy that he has bestowed upon up. In kind, we share that grace and mercy with others.

Let’s, you and I, assume that we are missing something. Let’s acknowledge that there are innumerable opportunities to share His love, learn His Word and reflect his Grace. And let’s commit to making the best decision that we can, right now, and until he calls us to our own resurrection, to make our decisions based on this infallible Truth and not based on who will let us “off the hook” most easily.