Posterity

In my mind, I'm thinking about the circle of life. As an American History teacher, I always made my students remember and recite many things, but one of our favorites was The Preamble of the United States Constitution. We not only memorized it but we also analyzed every word. One word that always stumped them was posterity: future generations. In light of the 240th birthday of our nation, I want to explore posterity with you.

I discovered something today that has always lurked in my mind and the music I love. Some of my favorite songs and artists have been inspired by this mystic, poet, artist, author, philosopher, and theologian. As I researched him, I became so enthralled and amazed. Some of my own thoughts and ideals paralleled with the mind of this man. He was born in 1883. Just 20 years after our bloody Civil War. I hope you knew that students. How could our minds meld on such topics? He died at the age of 48. Hmmm... I'm 47 and after this morning's breathing scare I may have a similar timeline but we will not cross that bridge yet. You see there is so much to see, hear, discover, learn, and experience no matter your age. Yes, students I hope this was one message I instilled in you. If you don't this, it is a travesty.

One thought that echoed in my mind was this: "Your children are not yours." I've always known this but see so many fail to comprehend. Let me expound on this for you. Here is a paraphrase of the beautiful comparison analogies my poet, philosopher, and soul-like friend share: Children belong to the future, not our future but theirs. This sacred place is all their own and we cannot visit it ever. They have their own thoughts and please don't give them yours. Remember they are for the future. You can strive to be like them but please don't try to interfere and make them like you. Remember, each of us is a unique person and has a purpose. They come through you to this life. We housed their bodies but not their souls. How does life evolve? Forward, so don't get in the way. Here is my favorite part. You are the bow and they are the arrows. Your purpose is to be steady and straight. You want those arrows to go to infinity. What should they pierce the sky with? My poet friend suggests gladness, but I want to add my favorite four letter word: LOVE. "For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable." And thus, we have a beautiful circle of life. Think about this.

How do we become that majestic, stable, and perfect bow? I've been reading all morning. Here's what I found. My readings discussed the inferiority complex. It also talked about birth order. I had always thought the oldest child was like the superstar of the family. Today, I read that the oldest could be more prone to addictions and narcissism. This psychiatrist, Alfred Adler, suggested that the middle child was more adjusted and the youngest was the one with the least empathy because of being the most indulged of the siblings. Brain food for thought. You always hear about the troubled middle child. Perspectives. It has me thinking that there are 1,000,001 ways to raise a child or ruin a child. Kids don't come with a manual. Your posterity or gift to the circle of life is such a complex being. I've read so much stuff trying to be the best parent I could possibly be, but you know what? In the end, we have to embrace these souls for whom and what they are and love them despite our perspectives. I've decided the best parent is the one who loves unconditionally.

Students, how can this apply to you and your lives? Reflect. Is it a bunch of mumbo jumbo? I don't know, God gave you a brain so you decide. Do you have an assignment? Yes, of course you do.

This is your assignment:

I know. I know. Give me a minute. In my mind I see your hands waving with questions. Who is this mysterious, inspiring prophet? Who has he inspired? He inspired John Lennon and David Bowie in two of my top ten of all time favorite songs. Elvis Presley even handed out copies of one of his books to his friends. You have to figure those out! I'm still trying to teach here. We are learning and discovering remember. Drum roll, please.

Kindness is like snow.

It beautifies every thing it touches.

Kahlil Gibran

He's of Arabic descent. Surprised? I know my students in this time and era of xenophobia (look it up) you are. And as I close today's lesson, here's what's in my mind:

You who are on the road

Must have a code that you can live by

And so become yourself

Because the past is just a good-bye.

Teach your children well,

Their father's hell did slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,

So just look at them and sigh

And know they love you.

And you, of tender years,

Can't know the fears that your elders grew by,

And so please help them with your youth,

They seek the truth before they can die.

Teach your parents well,

Their children's hell will slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,

So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.

Teach Your Children

Crosby, Stills & Nash