THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK.Last week whilst working with some teenagers I found that a group of them had organised what is ironically described as a “sleep over”, I suspect that there is very little sleep involved.
As they left after their dance session, they were clearly very excited. However, one girl didn’t join in with excitement, she was the only one who had not been invited. She is a lovely girl, a little different, not one of the “in crowd” but a real asset to our group. Both myself and the other teacher observed the situation, it was clearly out of our hands and there was no way we could possibly intervene, nevertheless we felt the pain of the individual who had been left out.
As they left after their dance session, they were clearly very excited. However, one girl didn’t join in with excitement, she was the only one who had not been invited. She is a lovely girl, a little different, not one of the “in crowd” but a real asset to our group. Both myself and the other teacher observed the situation, it was clearly out of our hands and there was no way we could possibly intervene, nevertheless we felt the pain of the individual who had been left out.
This was not a malicious act by the other girls, there was no intention to be mean, and I suspect that they were totally unaware of what was happening. Life can be cruel and for young people who have yet to build up a resilience it can be particularly so. I couldn’t help but reflect if through my life, I also had caused pain to others without even being aware of it, I’m sure this is the case.
We are taught how as Christians we should love our neighbours as ourselves and I imagine that is what all of us do most of the time. This incident has had a considerable impact upon me this week, seeing it from afar, seeing the pain suffered by an innocent. It has caused me to reflect upon the impact I might have on others, not only intentionally but also unintendedly.
. My desire to be true to Christ requires me to be both reflective and watchful of the impact I may have on others in what I say and do, directly and indirectly. No one said that being a Christian would be an easy option!
© Kevin Bryant 2025.
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