Wednesday, March 08, 2006
From AscensionNYC
Wednesday in the First Week of Lent
Psalm 49
Genesis 37:25-36
1 Corinthians 2:1-13
Mark 1:29-45
Balance. This is a key word I use when working with college students. While trying to impress others (e.g., faculty, friends, parents, girlfriends/boyfriends, future employers), I've met many students who take on too many responsibilities without recognizing the time need to relax, reflect, and meditate. Also, I've met students who aren't motivated and often escape into video games or parties. They usually fail to recognize the many opportunities to further their education and their own self-development. In higher education, we often call this balance: "Challenge and Support." To create learning environments and important developmental opportunities, students need both challenges to encourage them to expand their understanding and improve their abilities. At the same time, students need environments that offer support and safety. Trying to find the right balance between challenge and support is the optimal goal in providing effective learning environments for college students. With too much challenge, students tend to regress developmentally and develop less adaptive modes of behavior. However, with too much support, students learn little and fail to develop their own identity.
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus provides an excellent example of balance. He has been called to heal the sick, but he also models balance by staying away from large crowds or withdrawing for private meditation. Balance. What an important example to follow in our own lives! How can we instill more balance in our own schedules?
Genesis 37:25-36
1 Corinthians 2:1-13
Mark 1:29-45
Balance. This is a key word I use when working with college students. While trying to impress others (e.g., faculty, friends, parents, girlfriends/boyfriends, future employers), I've met many students who take on too many responsibilities without recognizing the time need to relax, reflect, and meditate. Also, I've met students who aren't motivated and often escape into video games or parties. They usually fail to recognize the many opportunities to further their education and their own self-development. In higher education, we often call this balance: "Challenge and Support." To create learning environments and important developmental opportunities, students need both challenges to encourage them to expand their understanding and improve their abilities. At the same time, students need environments that offer support and safety. Trying to find the right balance between challenge and support is the optimal goal in providing effective learning environments for college students. With too much challenge, students tend to regress developmentally and develop less adaptive modes of behavior. However, with too much support, students learn little and fail to develop their own identity.
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus provides an excellent example of balance. He has been called to heal the sick, but he also models balance by staying away from large crowds or withdrawing for private meditation. Balance. What an important example to follow in our own lives! How can we instill more balance in our own schedules?
Steve Hubbard
