I just got back from speaking at my daughter's school. They had all the fourth and fifth graders in the cafeteria for "Parents' Involvement Day." While I was tempted to act out in Ricky Bobby's dad's character from Talladega Nights, I played it straight and told the kids about publishing a magazine. I showed them some posters and shared about how rewarding it was to see your hard work in your hands afterwards. I talked about how I enjoyed interviewing artists. I told them about journalists asking "open ended" questions to get people to talk. I showed them a 4/4 16-page form/signature, to give them some visuals and nuts & bolts printing exposure. I asked for a show of hands on numerous occasions, one of which was to identify which ones knew about the software program called PhotoShop. Several raised their hands. I was impressed. I spent at least half the time answering questions, which I always enjoy. One boy asked me, "What's your favorite thing to do?" I told him that was a great question and "difficult to answer." I thought to myself, 'Where do I begin?' I wanted to mention playing with or hugging my children, but thought I needed a better way to bring that up to not embarrass my daughter, why shyly introduced me at the beginning of my talk. I reiterated what I had shared earlier, that I enjoyed seeing something I worked on, I enjoyed interviewing people, and I enjoyed the relationships and friendships I've formed in doing that. I wasn't sure if I should answer with the most fulfilling things in my life or specifically about my job. I stuck with the job angle. When driving home, I felt pangs of regret when I thought about how I could have affirmed my daughter by saying something like, "Hanging out with my family," which would have also affirmed something in the hearts of all the kids there -- that family is important and that their fathers love them. Dang it! I coulda ... shoulda ... woulda! I think there's almost always a "Speaker's Regret," where you look back at what you said or didn't say and think of things you could have done that were better. Oh well, I think it was fairly fun and educational for them all. My daughter rushed up to me to give me back some stickers that she had or that were passed out or something. The big smile on her face was a transformation from the earlier vibe of "I don't know you / don't embarrass me" look on her face as she walked past when they filed in and I reached out for a "high five" and she kinda shrugged her shoulders up tight as she walked past as if ignoring me. It's nice to see that appreciation grow after the talk was done. Hopefully she'll be encouraged by affirming comments from her peers. My ego appreciates it, of course, but for a small person, sometimes being able to appreciate your parents from the admiration/perspective of your friends goes a long way to making you more grateful.
If I ever grow my hair and beard back and return to Russia, people might follow me around and worship me like a celebrity. Several years ago I modeled as Jesus and drawings of such are printed in a recent issue of the Russian version of Esquire Magazine. It's amazing to see this magazine (subscriptions are only $289, only about a hundred bucks more than a year's worth of Billboard), which portrays the lifestyles of the rich and self-important. I thought that the economy over there was horrible, but I guess there is an upper-class that's trying to and/or living the high life. Just like a fancy New York style magazine, there's all kinds of ads for the best watches, shoes, liquor, etc. Fascinating. If I did go, my message would be simple: "Borg leibet tiber," which (although I probably butchered the spelling) translates roughly into "God likes you." I think that message implies something that'll be swallowed and accepted by more people than "Jesus loves you," because people's minds are kind of tweaked when they hear the word "love" nowadays. Having someone tell you that "God likes you" is a little bit off-beat, a little unexpected, and thus not so much the cliche that "Jesus loves you" is to some ears. Anyway, a little goes a long way and I'm a strong believer in measuring success in tiny increments. Instead of counting numbers at a huge altar call (which, some will tell you, is full of skewed information and shallow commitments), someone moving ever so slightly closer to a relationship with God is a good thing. I'm all for the big "closing the deal, let's pray to ask Jesus into your heart" kinda thing, and am open to that if and when the opportunities come, but the tactful, sincere, and rich communication that might only get people to think is serving the same purpose, too. Some labor long-term and some specialize in short-term work. I think it's all potentially good and pleasing to the Father.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at May 7, 2008 10:20 AM