A friend recently said that my daughter acts just like me. She, in my eyes, is the epitomy of goodness and such a comment is more than a compliment. Today her goodness just about made my heart melt.
I drove the kids to school today just like every other day, but today unlike other days I was in no rush to go anywhere. So I sat in my car to go through some papers after my two little ones left to go onto the playground to await the morning bell. When I finally looked up before I decided to drive away, I saw my daughter and about 4-5 other girls standing over a sad looking girl sitting on the ground. I don't know if the girl fell or was pushed, but I could see my daughter's compassion for her all the way over there in my car. As the other girls stood over the fallen girl, my daughter leaned in to talk to her. I then saw her reach out and brush the dirt off of her legs as the other girls just walked away. I saw my daughter reach out a second time, this time offering her hand to assist the girl off of the ground. As you can probably imagine, my lip was quivering at about this time. My daughter did not end her help there. When the girl was up off the ground, my daughter picked up her backpack and assisted the her in putting it back on. She then walked and talked with the girl, forgoing her friends and the usual morning games.
I drove away feeling very proud, but with mixed feelings. I worried that some people would see the goodness in my daughter and hate her for it. I worried that they will try to hurt her as they have tried to do to me. At the same time, I know she is strong; I saw it when she chose to help instead of walking away as her friends did. I think she is gonna be ok.
Monday, March 17, 2008
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3 comments:
We all worry that our loved ones will do what we feel is the socially accepted common good. It should never matter the price of doing something which one feels strongly about doing. Our first reaction is usually the correct action and who we happen to be. Sounds like your little girl happens to be a fine human being, no one can hold that against her.
The point I was trying to make is that she was doing something that was not socially accepted, at least in her circle of friends.
Maybe we all do worry that our loved ones will do what is common good, but the problem comes in our actions. Our children learn from watching us. If we constantly pass up people in need they are there learning how to respond when they see the same. If we act superior to those that our different than us, they are learning.
I have come across many a parent that has gotten joy from seeing their little ones bullying their peers on the playground. My question is, "Do we all really strive or hope for the common good?
2days,the point you were trying to make is understood however who said that her behavior is not socially accepted? Her behavior is acceptable by many in society but the disconnect is many children are so self centered that they only can think of themselves. These behaviors are fostered by their parents.
Most adults are the same in terms of behavior. these adults know what the common good is, however choose to look out for themselves first. This is the problem with the world from a fundamental approach. Your little girl acted from the same basic instincts that reside in all of us. Rather we exercise or act on these instincts determine our character or who we are as an individual, etc.
You prove my point in your example of using a parent who finds joy watching their child bullying their peers. These parents find joy because they are this way themselves, maybe? To answer your question. No, We do not strive for the common good. It is not apart of our practice to do the "right thing" we are strictly reactionary simple and plain. The human race do not practice much, the entire experience is dynamic, constantly changing course as it goes. To practice something requires constant action. Striving requires constant repetitive movement aimed at a common goal. Your child acted from her natural instinct. Hopefully this will be a mainstay in her life and practice as she strives.
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