In the Bible, there is the story of Abraham and his 1st born, Isaac. God instructs Abraham to sacrifice his son, but God spares Isaac’s life at the last minute. What was the message? And why am I moved to make a feeble effort to address this profound “event?” Remember, it is my belief that events dictate.
One interpretation is that God was teaching Abraham and all humans a significant and vital lesson. That man must understand that no one, not even their own blood son, is an extension of the parent. All children are their own person, unique individuals with their own one-of-a-kind voices.
So, when God instructs Abraham to commit this deed, God is setting in motion a historic teaching event. God is instructing all humanity that “our son is not us.” That no one is like anyone else. And that powerful leaders of every kind, including parents and teachers, must view those subordinate to them as different and special. Not an easy lesson to learn and to be.
If I did a good job working with children and young staff, this is what took place. There was always a sense, feeling, and experience that “All are special and unique. Still, I must claim ignorance of intent, so whether unconsciously or deliberately, did it matter? Our pragmatic philosophy made it so.
I like the story of Abraham and his son Isaac because it represents power, commitment, love, and growth for all involved. We are all participants in our own stories. Does our way of living show that we recognize and cherish how special and unique we all are?
Sy
