Last night I was watching one of those television news magazines and they had an episode about one of those tough, demanding principals in a NYC school.  The kids seemed to love and more importantly respect him.  Their academic accomplishments were truly impressive.  He had changed their lives, with one of them indicating he would have been on the streets if not for this man.

At the end of the episode it struck me that we will, very appropriately, honor those people who do these kind of things. We’ve even made several movies about teachers or principals who follow this same path.  They are truly heroes.  But, when we try to implement similar ideas into the system as a whole it is labeled as unrealistic at best or as some kind of pathology at worst.

I think one of the true struggles of our society is a realization that good ideas are good ideas and that we CAN generalize many of these principles.  At the very least we should attempt to generalize those areas that show promise and at least test them.   This is true not just in education, but in family life, faith, economics, whatever.

OK, rant over.

Of all the characteristics that make Christian Counseling unique, I believe that forgiveness has to be near the top of the list.  Christian counselors have been talking about forgiveness for a long time, well before our secular counterparts considered the idea.  Now, the concept of forgiveness is valued, both in the Christian and secular worlds.  However, I still think Christian counselors have a leg up.  Why, because Christianity is all about forgiveness.  We are in relationship with the Creator of all things because he is willing to forgive us and he expects us to do likewise.  His forgiveness heals the relationship harmed by our sin.  Our willingness to forgive can heal our relationships, even the relationship with self.

I spent yesterday on airplanes.  I was escorting my son and friend of his to a Young Leadership Conference in Boston yesterday.  Then immediately got back on a flight back home.  I took the opportunity to look at some of my favorite scenes from “The Incredibles” while on one of those flights.  The family themes remain so strong for me.  Some really great insight into the dynamics of many marriage and family relationships.  I know, I’m a bit biased but, I still think it is the greatest movie ever made.  I can still watch it time after time and thoroughly enjoy every minute.

Can’t say much, except I find this inspiring.  Check this video out here.