Iroquois Principal's Corner

I inherited the “chocolate-loving gene” from my mom. If it’s covered in chocolate, I’ll probably eat it (that is an exaggeration). I’m not too picky on the kind of chocolate I eat, but I do gravitate towards Dove chocolates. One reason I enjoy Dove chocolates is because of the message inside the wrapper. Typically, the messages are encouraging or optimistic, and I recently opened one that was no exception. The message inside said, “Be someone who you look up to.” 

I don’t think this message is about pride or narcissism, but it encourages the reader to be someone who has qualities that are admirable. What happens when qualities turn into problems? Hard-working turns into workaholism. Speaking the truth in love can turn into being abrasive.

Being committed can turn into being absent from something else. Paul tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world, and yet, so much of what we find to be good in this world can turn sour.

The qualities that God calls us to have are also known as the Fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. If we show even one of those consistently, that is significant! These are words and actions to focus on. Keep them in front of you! Pray on them.

So, be someone you look up to. We don’t do that for ourselves, we do it for those around us, especially our kids! Be someone your kids look up to. 

Have a wonderful week!

—John Barkel