From the Other Sides

I posted the other day asking if it was just me or if the last couple weeks haven’t been rough all the way around. I received so many comments and messages from people unloading frustrations, hardships and worries.

These past two months have been long and hard to say the least. And I think the weather, rotating from rain to freeze hasn’t helped in the least.

Our crew took the weekend to get away for a couple days, lock ourselves in a cabin and enjoy some old school fun. Board games in front of the fireplace, a visit to the candy shop, and time just laughing and hanging out together.

Coming home was hard, none of us were ready to come back to reality. Because the truth is, reality is tough. Some of you people, can really make life a little tough.

We came home to flooding, roads washed out, our Tennessee neighbors having to evacuate in some areas and be at the ready for evacuation in others. The folks at Sonic are shut down for a few weeks after rains wiped out their roof in what could have been a terrible disaster.

And now we are checking faucets, propane and stocking up on milk and bread as we prepare for the winter weather advisory.

There is plenty to do, plenty to worry about, more opportunities than I can count to help and serve others, but instead, some choose to do more damage.

Have you ever met someone who is a “cause of the week” person? You know they never ever have anything positive to say. Instead, they look around for something to be mad about and then rant and rave and rage and attempt to use threats to get their way. They never, ever, lift a finger to actually help the situation.And when they do the smallest of anything they make sure to post it on social media for credit.They are bullies and nothing more. Spineless, loud, bullies.

These are the same people who have never volunteered for anything. Coaching, mentoring, tutoring, leading, nope....they don’t have time for any of that.

They are the ones who have an answer to everything but have done absolutely nothing to even know how things should be done.

Every community has them, unfortunately we have more than a few. But I have come to learn, they built a little pedestal in our small community, scream real loud, and fall real hard.

If you read this and feel conviction, instead of being mad, lace that boot up and make some changes or zip it up.

You want to see some change, put up, or shut up.

Moving on, we got a lot of mixed responses in this weeks Readers Respond. I can definitely see boths sides of the argument. Wouldn’t we all love to have a four day work week? But I also know longer hours would be tough on the littles, and hard no those still trying to grasp basics.

Everyone says Mondays are a great day for appointments, but if every school is doing this, I imagine Mondays will fill up quickly.

While I do know teachers are not babysitters, I also know the standard has been school Monday - Friday and a work schedule that matches and I know it will be tough on some parents. As well as expensive, day care isn’t cheap.

And I also worry about them not getting that extra day of food, but also know we are going to have to start serving a heavier lunch than ususal or an extra snack if we do longer days. These lunches are SLIM.

Everything has its pros and cons, but my focus is on what the teachers say. Because as I said earlier, don’t lean on my own understanding but trusting those who walk in it daily to make the best decision. for our area kids.