Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Here's Looking At You, Act 3


Here is the third installment of my students answering the question, "When I look in the mirror, I see...'' This discussion was based on James 1:22-24 and all replies are used with the youngsters' permission. Thanks again to all who leave comments- I am passing them along!

"When I look in the mirror, I see a young lady who wants to be more confident around others, and not feel embarrassed all the time when she has to speak. I see a young lady who wants to act perfectly, but can't because she want her parents to always be proud of her. I see a young lady who tries everyday to fit in and try to be noticed, but gets ignored anyway by even her best friend. I see a young lady who tries to hide her feelings about moving away from people she loves so it can be an easy transition for everyone, even though she thinks it won't be."
M.

"When I look in the mirror I see both the past and the future. I see wasted potential and squandered ability. I see where I have been and I realize where I want to go with my future. When I look in the mirror I see a boy who, considered by many a man, still believes there is much to strive for. Others look at me and see intelligence, others see that I've lost weight and put on muscle, they see a "bright future". When I look in the mirror I do not doubt them. I see determination and will, both unyielding, yet I know I could do better. When I look in the mirror I see goals, possibilities for improvement, and motivation to push myself to see exactly how far I can go in this life. Pride is something to be earned, not arrogance, but pride tempered in compassion- pride built in the aftermath of obstacles overcome and goals achieved, pride which shines in every action, a beacon and inspiration to those around you, I believe with God, and effort, no goal is beyond reach. And so I aim for heaven, and even should I miss, at least I should land among the stars."
C.

"When I look in the mirror I see a young Hispanic little girl, going after her dreams. I see a girl who never gives up and has confidence in what she does and other people as well. I see a little sister missing her brother, David, as he risks his life for other people. I see a 13 year old girl, about to turn 14. I also see a girl, who's mom has raised her to be a young lady. I see a girl who has wonderful people in her life, and loves everyone she knows. I also see a girl who is going to make important decisions in her life. That is what I see in the mirror."
V.

"When I look in the mirror, I see a kid who is just making it day by day. A kid lost, who hides the pain of his parents not being around, by hanging around friends and family members that he loves. I see a kid who has few friends, but numerous enemies."
M.

"When I look in the mirror, I see a girl who has high expectations from her peers, her parents, and herself. I see someone who is constantly aiming for success and perfection in everything she does, but comes short almost every time. And even though she is constantly failing, she is determined to excel because she believes she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. When I look in the mirror, I see someone who knows pain, and knows how to hide it well. In front of outsiders the hurt and sadness and anger is mashed under brief moments of laughter and joy, but I also see a girl who is healing from all the pain, because even though she's been hurt by some of the closest people to her- even her father- she knows God will always be with her through it all, and that God gives her peace of mind."
A.

"What I see when I look in the mirror is a person who is missing out on the good in life. I also see a person who knows he who can do better in everything he does. I see a person who has a positive attitude, but does not show it all of the time. I see a sinner and a growing young man, who needs to get his life back on track."
J.

Applicable quote of the day:
''I love mirrors. They let one pass through the surface of things.''

Claude Chabrol

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1

www.hawleybooks.com
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

7 comments:

Sabine da Silva said...

These sentiments are incredibly profound. Your students are self-reflective beyond their years. How did you set up this lesson? Did you simply give them the prompt or were there guided questions?

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

What an amazing post! It's amazing that these young people can see themselves so clearly. You are doing a wonderful job with them.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Yet another excellent post about looking in the mirror. Loved reading them.

Yvonne.

Sara Louise said...

What a brilliant exercise; both eye opening and inspiring.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful way for children to learn about themselves and others. Thank you so much for sharing this, it inspires me.
-Buffi
My Wonderfully Dysfunctional Blog

Southern Reflexions said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog!! I am so glad you did...I enjoy connecting with fellow Christians, and you appear to be doing a profound job of spreading the news of Christ...how awesome!! :-D I am trying to spread the news of my grandfather's mission, and hopefully, in time, I can use my blog to make a huge impact...My goal is to spread the word to as many people who will hear it and help me spread it!! :-D Thanks again, Marlie

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I have enjoyed these looking at you, When I look in the mirror I see an older version of a younger me, but feel the same as I did years ago.
Thanks for sharing these posts.
Yvonne.