Musings at Altitude

My 14 year old came up to me yesterday and asked me to sign a permission slip.  She wanted to take a field trip with her friends and classmates on Saturday.  I typically just sign those things when asked and don’t probe too much, but since I’m the sole parent at home this week, I paid a little bit more attention this time. 

As I read the permission slip, I realized this wasn’t an academic or social trip, this was a trip with a special mission – to clean the barracks at the local Army post before the soldiers return from overseas.  As I finished reading and gave my permission, I looked at my 14 year old with great pride because I knew how special and important that field trip would be. 

As we drove home together this evening, a song came on the radio that made me smile in thinking of my 14 year old and her field trip.  This was the first time I heard the song, but she knew every word:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xstLRWHgD2Q

It makes me smile to know that my 14 year old feels a call to action when she sees the list of food that is needed by the local food bank.  It makes me smile when she pesters me about volunteering at the local humane society.  And it makes me smile when she asks if she can join others in providing such an incredible service to those returning from the war. 

As I listen to the song again now, I realize how blessed we are as a nation with a new generation of young people who want to respond when they see a need.  We hear so often about the supposed selfishness and apathy of our kids today.  I just don’t see it.  Instead, I see compassion.  I see a desire to give.  I see a willingness to sacrifice their time and money to do something meaningful for others. 

I also see young people who lead by example.  We need to follow!