Pastor Ken
When I get together with friends, our conversations frequently shift to kids. Some friends’ eyes light up while they discuss the scholarships their kids earned in high school, granting them the opportunity to attend prestigious schools tuition-free. No doubt that parents often brim with pride over their children’s accomplishments, especially when others commend their children’s excellent work.
Applying to prestigious schools in the United States demands excellent grades in subjects related to the chosen major. Furthermore, applicants must showcase leadership abilities, effective communication skills, and a capacity for teamwork. The admissions committee also evaluates involvement in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and other school teams, recognizing that outstanding participants in these areas can enhance the school’s reputation. Additionally, recommendations from high school teachers and family connections to the institution are considered. The school seeks candidates who can contribute to the community. Securing admission to a top-tier school with an acceptance rate of only 5% is undeniably a testament to exceptional achievement.
However, these admission criteria focus on individual performance, which can be quantified and ranked according to established standards. While useful, they fail to capture the entirety of a person. Beyond mere metrics, being human encompasses thoughts, feelings, self-awareness, and the capacity for moral judgment.
The recent inclusion of Caitlin Clark in the Women’s National Basketball Association has ignited significant conversation in the sports community. Not only do her basketball skills surpass expectations for a rookie, but she also serves as an inspiring role model for many young girls. She readily signs autographs for her fans after games, demonstrating genuine engagement. Clark excels not just in shooting but also in creating scoring opportunities for her teammates that contribute to the team’s success. In post-game interviews, she maintains a high level of professionalism, avoiding personal attacks and refraining from mocking opponents, regardless of the game’s outcome. When asked about her “rival,” she responded, “This is just a basketball game, it is what it is,” showcasing her grounded perspective. Caitlin Clark truly embodies substance and integrity in the sports arena.
Each of us is born with certain inherent traits, like our height or the functioning of our internal organs. The real challenge lies in whether we can accept these aspects of ourselves. While it’s possible to compare these traits with those of others, it’s important not to label them as good or bad since they are beyond our control. On the other hand, our values and how we choose to live our lives are within our power to shape and develop. For instance, we can all learn to treat others with kindness and seek life’s purpose through religion
Whether we are viewed as excellent by others or deemed successful according to societal standards, we all must confront our inner selves. If we act solely to please others or meet their expectations while neglecting our own needs, it can be detrimental to our well-being. In extreme cases, we may even lose our sense of self. Conversely, disregarding others’ feedback and ignoring objective evaluations can isolate us from reality. Striking a balance between self-reflection and external assessment is essential for a healthy and authentic life.
I never pressured my son to achieve an “outstanding” status. My hope is for him to have a healthy mind and stable emotions, to be independent and collaborative, to love God, and to care for others.
