So Much to Talk About

One thing I love about the Elementary School students is that they're never at a loss for words. I can't think of a single time recently when I've asked them a question and gotten crickets chirping. Usually the problem is that we run out of time to get to everyone who wants to chime in! This is a wonderful time of life, when their minds are basically doing the opposite of what happens every time my family tries to plant a garden in Texas. In other words -- growing and expanding constantly. They have thoughts, they have opinions, and what they don't have much of yet is self-consciousness. Golden.

Last week at school, we had several juicy discussions. In Tuesday launch, I showed them a YouTube clip about Eric Liddell, the famous Olympic runner and missionary to China whose story is dramatized in the movie Chariots of Fire. In the movie, Liddell tells his sister, who's concerned that his running hampers his ability to follow his missionary calling wholeheartedly, that "God made me to be fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure." I asked the children when they have experienced "being in flow" which they defined as "when you work hard but it doesn't feel hard because you're having fun," and "not wanting to stop." We considered that when we get into a state of flow, we are tapping into the way God made us. When we express Him in the way He has designed us to do, we feel His pleasure.

On Wednesday, we re-visited our previous discussions of our four God-given needs: love/belonging, power, fun, and freedom. We brainstormed different ways that each of us fills our power "cup," from learning new things to helping others who aren't as far along in a skill to beating Mrs. Diller in Khan Academy energy points! We also talked a bit about what happens when our God-given need for power and capability is taken to an extreme. Ben reminded us of Lord Acton's quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

On Thursday, at their request we brainstormed the ways we fill our fun "cup." They were fairly popping with ideas! As a Guide, I felt heartened to hear of how many things at school feel fun to them. Having special things on the schedule like Pajama Day and Secret Santa clearly delights them! It was also interesting to notice as a group an overlap between Love/Belonging, Power, and Fun. The more capable we become in math, the more enjoyable it is (just ask Miles!). Helping others who aren't as good at math is a way to show love, but it also makes us feel powerful in a healthy way because we're using our skills for good. And it can be fun!

Of course, it's also worth considering what happens when needs collide. What if it's fun for me to sing "Drops in the Ocean" at the top of my lungs during studio maintenance, but that steals others' peace and makes them feel unloved by me? (Purely hypothetical, of course?!)

Looking forward to another bracing week ahead, learning alongside your children. See you at Exhibition!