MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 14

Story

Today, my big sister and I are going shopping. We always have such fun together. It's going to be the best!

When we get off the bus, I am so happy and excited. Then I see a girl begging for change. She's about my age, but her eyes have an old, sad look. I'd like to help her, but what can I do? I'm just a kid.

And then I think of a quote we heard in school: "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare." I liked the quote because I thought it would be helpful on those days that I want to give up and not work hard. Now, I realize that it's really about making a difference-- seeing a need and taking action to make things better.

I decide not to get the special kid's meal for lunch. I use the money I saved to buy an hamburger and a drink that my sister and I bring to the girl. She seems to really appreciate it and I am glad that I was able to help-at least a little.

That night, I think a lot about my experience with the girl. I'd like to be able to do more. Then I realize that I can. Maybe my parents or my teacher can help me start a club to make sandwiches for the homeless shelter or have a clothing drive or something. It's just a matter of getting started… Like they say, you have to "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare."

This week's maxim is "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare." 

Maxim

• "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare."
  Joseph Seamon Cotter, Jr.

Character points

• Service - I want to help others and try my best to do so; I try to understand the needs of others and help to meet those needs.
• Caring - I value the wants and needs of others; I try to help to the extent that I can.
• Optimism-I see the potential in life; I acknowledge the good and am able to imagine things being even better.
• Community - I recognize that I am part of a bigger whole; I live out my calling and responsibility to be of service to others.
• Love - I care for those around me and try to help when possible.

Homeroom Discussion Information

•  List some aspects of our school community that you would like to see improved.
• What might an "improved version" be like?
• What are some positive and practical ways you can help to bring about that improvement?
• If you had the ability to make just one positive change in the world, what would you choose? Why?
• What can you do at this point in your life to help with that situation?
• What can you do today to help prepare you to have an even greater impact on things in the future?
• Think of a time that you wanted to make a change, but were unable to follow-through. What stopped you from carrying out your vision?
• What kinds of things help you persevere in your goals?
• This quote talks about having the "heart to dare." What does that mean?
• List some things that can make even trying difficult. How can those changes be overcome?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

• Share the story of a time that you had the courage to step in and make a difference. Have each of your children share his/her story as well.
• Encourage each person to talk about how it feels to make a difference. Be willing to talk about times that service has been difficult, or even painful, and why it is important to serve nonetheless.
• Talk about what makes it challenging to do the right thing. Discuss why it's such an important "dare."
• Service is often a pro-active virtue. Talk about what it means to seek out opportunities to do good. How is that similar to/different from reacting with virtue when you are faced with a dilemma? Brainstorm ways other virtues can be practiced pro-actively.
• Talk about the idea of "training" yourself into positive behavior. What does that mean? How does this idea apply to virtues in general?

Discussion starters

• This quote talks about having both the courage to see a better world and putting forth the effort to make it happen. List examples of people who were able to make a difference because of their courageous vision and consistent effort. Explain your choices.
• Is it harder to have the "heart" to see a better world or the "hands" to build it?
• Is one really even possible without the other? Why or why not?
• The quote uses the word "train" which, at first, may seem like an unusual choice. Why is this an appropriate word?
• What are some things that you would like to train yourself to do or not do?
• List some good habits of doing and thinking would you like to adopt. How can you go about doing just that?
• What are some things about our life as a family that could be even better?
• What are some practical ways that we could work together to bring about those change?
• List some aspects of the larger community or world that you would like to see changed. How would you like them to be?
• How can you help move things towards your vision? Try to think of real steps you can take and real things you can do at this point in your life.
• What's one issue that concerns us all? What can we, as a family, do to help? Let's try to think of some ways we could donate our time and talents to make a difference.

Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

Related Links

• Servenet.org
  http://www.servenet.org/
• 4H Volunteering: Are You Into It?
  http://www.areyouintoit.com/
• Kids Care Clubs
  http://www.kidscare.org/kidscare/index.htm