Wk 3 Comment: Stacie's Blog Post

Stacie wrote:

YOU CHOOSE, WHICH WILL IT BE?

“But our universe is alive with sparks. We have at our fingertips an infinite capacity to light a spark of possibility. Passion, rather than fear, is the igniting force. Abundance, rather than scarcity, is the context.”

~Zander & Zander

As I read this book, I have to shake my head and laugh. I’ve read these concepts before. They are beautiful and positive; just what a downtrodden, negative world needs to hear. Then it hits me. Oh ya…this is all biblical truth. Yes. These are biblical principals spoken throughout the bible by Jesus himself. Take for example the 4 practices for chapter 9, “Lighting a Spark.” Every one of these principles is about investing positive life into others.

1. Imagine that people are an invitation for enrollment

2. Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired

3. Offer that which lights you up.

4. Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark.

The most amazing aspect of this book and the remarkable point of this chapter is that it is our passion that holds the spark, the igniter. Ben Zander has used his passion for music to invest positive life into the people around him. The spark he invests is positive thinking.

“The secret was, I believe, that I genuinely wanted to share the music with the children, and I trusted their ability to respond to it and to be partners with me in our whole undertaking (Zander & Zander, 2000)

The other message that spoke to me in the reading was the concept of “the downward spiral.” This is the idea that our negativity thinking limits our possibilities in every area of our lives whether this is work, family, or personal goals. I know that I personally can be caught in the trap of negative energy in a quick hurry, especially when I’m frustrated with my current circumstances. Being a teacher is so hard when we are fighting unmotivated students, ridiculous standardized tests, and a scary economic situation, and sometimes, the weight can pull me into a downward spiral. However, I’m reminded to find the positive in it all, and I can say without a doubt that I love working with kids and the slightest possibility that I might spark or inspire something within them. When I look at my career from that perspective, the rests seems to melt away for another day. In fact, I like the idea of lighting a spark and participating in enrollment so much, that I am going to paint the phrase “Light a Spark” on the wall in my classroom. I’ve already commissioned the art teacher, who is also my great friend, to begin painting. Hopefully this phrase will remind me on those difficult days why I do what it is that I do. After all we all have a choice to make. Will we be the negative force or the positive force in the lives of others today?

 

Abbie Toy said...

Stacie,

Wow - I was blown away by this post! You gave me a whole new perspective on the reading (relating it to the Bible) and I feel so inspired by your words! I absolutely LOVE the fact that you are painting your classroom wall with the words "ignite a spark!" The kids are going to see that every single day and be moved to become better! Also, the photo you included with your post fit so perfectly! Great job, Stac!!