Should or could?

Colleagues,
 
MVP: Focusing on what can be, not what should be, allows us to serve others instead of judging them
 
I spent some time in Ngong Township School in Kenya. The average class size was 50 students. They had few materials, sat three to a desk, and would receive little support at home as their parents would be working long hours and coming home exhausted. It shouldn’t be this way.
 
If this is all I focused on, I would be judging the school. When we focus on what should be, we put ourselves in the role of judge. As a judge, it is easy to recognize the deficits in others.
 
In Ngong Township School, each class has two elected student positions. These Prefects have the authority of a teacher and the responsibility to help their fellow students learn. They can cover lessons and manage student behaviors if the teacher needs to leave the room. In Ngong Township School, teachers have strong classroom procedures that make it possible to instruct the large numbers of students. These are things we can build on.
 
When we focus on what can be, we put ourselves into the role of servant. As a servant, we look for opportunities to help others grow by meeting them where they are.
 
At my worst, I judge and consequently have little to contribute. 
 
At my best, I see where people are and can serve them.
 
Take time to look around today. What assets do you see? Even in challenging situations, what can you build on?

Cheers!

​Frederick