We are in the midst of a presidential campaign in our household. No, we are not preparing for a run for the White House in 2012. We are campaigning for Student Council President of Hope Academy Middle School. Earlier this week, our oldest child, announced that he had not only signed up to be on the student council, but that he had also entered the race for president of the council as well. So, this morning we spent the usual cartoon time writing a campaign speech. He made only one promise, to work hard and do his best. We practiced the nearly 60 second oration several times in front of the mirror, making sure that emphases and pauses were in the correct places. Then we packed the candidate into the 'limo' and whisked him to the WHHN TV studio where he delivered his speech to the entire school on live closed circuit television. He reports that the speech went well and that he was “standing in Dad’s shadow.” I am humbled that he was excited to be on the school TV and to do something he has seen me do many times before. I have no doubt that he stood in his own spotlight today! The election is a few days away. For now, our focus turns to the school district middle school band concert and the alto saxophone this evening.
I am extremely fortunate to be the father of two awesome sons who are already developing an understanding of the importance of being involved in their community. I am proud of both of them. I am blessed that they have a growing respect for all people, regardless of differences perceived or real. I am glad that they acknowledge the connection between the things they want and the resources we do or do not have. I am grateful that they enjoy learning, love to read, to sing & dance, to play board games as well as electronic games, to wrestle in our pj’s, to curl up on their mother’s lap for a story or just to be there, and that they sometimes stay awake just long enough to say “Goodnight Dad” when I get home late from work. Children are precious and I pray that I never take that for granted.
I have to admit that I was a bit surprised when I learned of my son’s candidacy for student council president. Having Asperger’s Syndrome, I would have expected him to be uninvolved in school politics and too busy with his many fascinations to consider the possibility. He is very bright and quite articulate and yet the news kind of blew me away. Social responsibility skills are a challenge for him. When I asked him why he signed up, he said that he thought he should try it. There was very little “future responsibility” impacting the decision. I am delighted, however, that he can see himself in a leadership role, whether he really knows what that entails or not.
"One person can make a difference and everyone should try. " JFK
I have hope for the future knowing that a new generation of community minded folks may be on the way. I am optimistic that my children and many of their peers will not be apathetic when presented with challenges and concerns that affect their neighbors, near or far. Like many before them, they will get involved and become a part of the solutions. Jesus was like that. He challenged the systems that perpetuated poverty, he healed the sick, he fed the hungry, he included the marginalized and he challenged us to do likewise. Jesus was also a political leader, proclaiming the Kingdom of God which was in direct opposition to the Roman Empire. His platform was peace that is the result of justice and justice that is the result of being in right relationship with God and with the neighbor.
And, now not only does the Son of God inspire my community involvement, but my own son gives me inspiration to keep working hard and trying my best to serve the Lord and the common good.
Peace & Joy!
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