The Class Picture

A good number years ago I had the opportunity to teach some grade eight students here in Hamilton. I had them engage in an exersize that was not particular mind shattering. The instructions were simple. “One by one, come up to the front of the room and arrange yourselves for a class picture.” A couple of kids wanted to jump up right away and get in the back row. One after another the picture started to develop. The back row was filled first then the middle row and finally the front row. No one wanted in the front row, well, except for two boys, but they are another story.
Here they were, all trying to get in the back row, and trying to blend into the green board behind them. Trying not to be seen or not to be the centre of attraction, i.e., front row. It was a wonderful experiment with them. They even had discussions about who they wanted to stand beside. At one point there were four girls trying to stand beside Sandy. Get the picture?
And here is what their actions told us. They all wanted to fit in. Fit in with their friends, fit into the whole and definitely fit in so they didn’t stand out. There was something more about how they arranged themselves. I believe they were saying they felt they were nothing without the whole. They were individuals who found completeness in the group. A completeness that put everyone on the same level, be it the back row of the picture. Or did they? The teacher and I saw beyond that. Or should I say behind it. Back behind their crusty exterior were individuals wanting to break out. But they were afraid. Afraid of the group? Afraid of being put down for thinking well of themselves and achieving?
One after another we saw the confusions melt from their faces. Yes, we observed the struggles going on, internally and externally. The struggle to be part of the group and the desire to be an individual and excel at what they do best. Fortunately, the lesson was not over when we took the picture. We went on to talk about what they had just experienced. It was then that they learned and understood the reality they could have both.
God has made us in such a way as to crave relationships. Casual ones as well as intimate relationships. All of them are important and should never be taken lightly. But within each one of us, beats a heart that yearns to use our gifts and abilities completely. Paul writes about the analogy of the body. We are all a part of it but we have different gifts so the body functions properly.
It was a great day for those tweens. It was the start of the blossoming of twenty three-young lives set free. They not only felt good about being part of the class but now they had freedom to use and share their unique gifts and abilities for the benefit of the greater good. We have this freedom was well. You are part of the Church of Jesus Christ and He has given to each of us unique gifts for the good of the whole. Gifts unique to you and gifts the church still needs today. Are you using your gifts? I know you know what they are. He still needs them.
Something to think about.
Rob