Ups Or Downs

Sometimes when I look at my son, I am often reminded how wonderful it was to be sixteen and in a way I kind of envy him. Because I really miss those days, of being innocent or being free from responsibilities. At that age I have had so many wonderful memories that I can write a whole book or novel if I really wanted too . Being in High School at this age was great, because this was the age where one may determine or dream what type of man or woman they wanted to be. I will never forget my days in High School, because in a way it was my last days, months or hours as a kid. It was a transformation, from being a boy to a growing young man. I was blessed with great teachers, I had two loving parents ,I happen to be blessed, at that time with two living grandmothers, one great grandmother and two grandfathers from both sides of the family. I was a kid that was into everything, I ran track, played football and even though I was a short , I even made an attempt at playing basketball. I had so many dreams, desires and I thought that could do anything. What I loved about high school, was that it prepared me for the outside world. My teachers taught me the value of life and my classmates prepared me how to deal with real people once I was old enough to fend for myself. In my school there were all types of people, there were bullies,lairs, thieves, schemers , people from different races , back grounds and yes there were some honest people there too.

I remember one day in a Social Studies, class my teacher explaining to the class that once we got into the outside world that we all would have to be able to deal or adapt to all types of people or situations. She said, in life there will always be ups or downs , good days or bad days, you just have to be prepared to deal with them as they come. Then she said with a smile , That everybody or everything will have a bad day, so don't be shocked when someone you know is in a bad mood. My tenth grade teacher was a wonderful teacher, because she always gave us  examples to each lesson she taught. My favorite lesson I learned was about the elevator. She would say, Class don't you guys know that even an elevator will have a bad day, do any of you guys know why? As students we all were very eager to answer our teachers question. One student said, well because the elevator doesn't feel like working. Then she looked at him under her glasses and said, "Elevators don't have feelings, then the whole class broke out laughing". Then I said, I know why the elevator had a bad day. Then she said, Okay Holmes give it a try. Then I said well because its broken and it can't go up or down. Then she said with a smile, that's the right answer. What I am trying to explain to you class is that in life, there will be many situations you will face in the world and as young men or women you have to be able to deal with them rationally. You can't get angry or upset when people act up or when things don't go your way. Class when I look out at each of you, I see faces of young eager teenagers, with different backgrounds or personalities. Sometimes many of you are in good moods and other times many of you are in bad moods, but I don't take it personal. The reason for this is because I have a job to do and also because I enjoy teaching. I don't let what you guys do or say effect my mood , behavior or judgment, because just like life there will always be, good days or bad days and Ups or Downs.

Have a blessed day,

Charles

Psalm 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed your commandments.

Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

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Psalm 119:65 Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD.