Conejo Adventist^® Elementary School

Earlier this week, I shared some thoughts with a classroom. The end of the year is quickly approaching and when your class is much like a family, sometimes you need some extra encouragement to display your best behavior toward your family/friends. The K-4th grade musical was an excellent reminder for me to exhibit empathy toward others but also a reminder that empathy must be reciprocated for it to be effective. In the musical, Rapunzel and Thumbelina lament how they were so worried about the feelings of others that they ignored their own needs and desires to the point of making themselves miserable. That’s no good! The musical also explored the opposite with Peter Pan and his friends who only thought about themselves making everyone around them miserable. This is also no good! Empathy must be a two-way street and communication is the key. Think about others, don’t ignore your own needs, and communicate your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way with others. Sounds so simple but so difficult in real life. As we head into the last two weeks of school, I’m praying for empathy, understanding, and communication be present on our campus and in our homes.  
 
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT