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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
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Dear Friends,
When
I was a young boy I received for Christmas a rock tumbler. Eagerly gazing
at the glossy pictures of wondrous jewels that could be formed from ordinary
rock I rushed into my backyard and scooped up some likely looking small
stones. Placing them in the tumbler I added the polishing compound and
started the process. (In truth, I first forgot the water, then failed to seal
the container, then had to clean the mess up, then did it correctly.) The
machine started with a very disturbing sound. Grinding and crushing emanated
from it filling the kitchen with an undesirable noise. After a very
long time, in reality probably 30 minutes, I took the machine apart and saw
nothing had changed. Moving it to the garage I turned it back on and left
it for the recommended time. I noticed as I went through the
various level grinding powders the sound got less distressing and finally after
quite a long time the stones were done and they looked quite good.
High
school, indeed all of life, resembles a rock tumbler. Placed in close
proximity with others we jostle and bump into each other, our interactions not
always being the smoothest. Often we find irritation with others, our
assignments, the weather etc., and while some of that can be avoided most
cannot. These events are not for naught, they can, if we let them, help
smooth our rough edges turning us from crass stone to desirable jewels.
The tendency when we find such a challenge is to flee from it and while that is
sometimes prudent policy, what to do if you cannot run from it? If it is
a test or project, or the student you see in math class, or the teacher who is
making you work then you must address the situation. This is where
training and God's grace comes in. When we err, in a comment to a
colleague, or on an assignment, fixing that failing might be difficult but
will help us in the long run.
Training
is like the polishing compound, initially it can be a bit rough, but given time
it becomes softer, if we learn our lessons well future challenges are very
doable. If we seek to never put ourselves or our children in difficult
and challenging circumstances how will they ever be polished? I know of
several individuals who while in high school were very rough characters, not
necessarily tough but definitely rough. A few bruising years of life
later I have met them and found to my amazement how they have changed.
Sirach 2
states
"For in fire Gold is tested and the worthy one in the crucible of
humiliation." When God sends us trials embrace them, they will make
you a better person.
Quo Vadis?
Timothy Gallic
Principal, Holy Family High School
303-410-1411
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