Hope From Those in School

In the first January article, I noted that my 2025 word-of-the-year challenge is to be a warmer person. 

I knew that would be a difficult goal but that’s the point of this annual exercise – to improve in areas where one needs improvement.

But today, I’m not feeling warm. All I can think about is the windchill of minus 30 degrees. I’ll take a break from that warm person thing since there’s less chance than a cold day in hell that I’ll see anybody today. I’m off the hook while shivering in place. Sounds fair.

I will take this time to wrap up in a blanket and read a book. Before picking up the novel, I will spend a little time reinforcing the I-never-want-to-forget memories from yesterday. 

Three grandkids competed in various speech and musical events throughout the day. From middle school to high school, there were probably more than 1,000 students and over 50 schools in attendance. It was a madhouse, but these kids were in command of their talents and accomplishments. They truly excelled. 

On this day and, with fingers crossed, well into the future, I will remember to connect the valiant efforts of these young people to influence, advise, teach, and entertain in a manner that gives hope to all. The ‘sportsmanship’ of the competitors was clear. Nobody was put down. There was only the sense of encouragement – the celebration of winning and the shared disappointment when acts fell short of the goal. 

An Honor Band of 132 sixth graders from dozens of local schools practiced and, within a few short hours, learned and performed 4 musical scores together. I would not have believed the results. One would have thought these musicians were from a high school band who had played together for years. 

Hundreds of high school performers showed professional skill levels in performing arts. Some presented “The News” by using real-life storylines while incorporating imagination and a good dose of creativity as they preached lessons that we can all take to heart. Humor and intelligence were offered throughout every performance. 

A one-act play followed characters that brought us face to face with human frailty. Displaying an imaginative but serious overtone of pain, suffering, and revelation, we saw the human spirit in life and death.

A Choral Reading promoted the generous Gift of Life found embodied within the act of organ donation while evoking tears from a large sampling of those in attendance. If not already a donor, I would sign up tomorrow - without a doubt. This event could be saving lives in the days to come. 

My only regret? It was impossible to watch every performance. 

• I saw a generation that spoke to hope – I am grateful, for I need that.
• I saw a generation, each looking to become better while, at the same time, encouraging their teammates as well as their competitors.
• I saw a younger generation speaking wisdom to the older generation. 
• I saw a younger generation speaking wisdom to the older generation. Needs to be twice said!
• I saw God at work with a generation of young and eager hearts and souls bringing peace, joy, and togetherness to all.

Today, my being is hopeful, my heart is warm, and my soul is grateful