Control is probably the best descriptor one could use for our present times.  People speak of a world “out of control.”  Others spend millions of dollars for ads which seek to give them control of the popular vote in various and sundry elections.  Medication ads tell us we can gain control over any and all kinds of maladies with their latest discovery…of course, there are side effects!  Educational institutions are a battleground where daily struggles occur between students and teachers over who will be in control of the classrooms. And last, if not least, TV programming has been interrupted by “difficulties beyond our control.”

            My control issue lately has been over the completion of our pavilion project of turning it into a wrestling gym/ multipurpose building.  I learned quickly that control over such projects is temporary and fleeting because so many people are involved.  Setbacks beyond our control have been scheduling of cement trucks (there are so few available); fabrication of metal pieces that must be made and in place before other steps take place; and the weather that often fails to cooperate.

            We have just completed our first full week of school.  I am busy trying to teach my first grade students how to control their handwriting.  Besides that, I must help them gain control over their impulses as they consider others who now share their “space.”   It will take a while to accomplish my goals, but I will persevere, and my students will eventually reap the benefits.  Learning to control one’s behavior is the first of many steps on the road to maturity.  I have to admit that getting these little ones to look beyond their own immediate desires seems to be a task that is a little harder than in the past.  Maybe that is due to very successful advertising in the media, coupled with the blessings of living in a “land of opportunity.” 

            We give scholar dollars to students for successful completion of tasks, etc.  They have control over these dollars in their bank…until they spend them.  A few have already gone to the treasure chest and are now seeking to replenish their savings.  Others have held tightly to their dollars and hope to gain more.  So…I am teaching them self-control…  Something we all need to learn again and again.

-        Kay