Recess

We used to joke about getting an “A” in recess on our report card.  Now we know how very important recess is.  Recess isn’t a child just running about between reading and math.  Recess is a child stimulating physical health, mental coordination and the development of social skills.  All three are extremely important for life after school.

Often times during the job interview process a highly educated person is passed over in favor of a lesser-trained person because the latter had better social skills.  A sour apple can spoil an otherwise wonderful work place.  Recess is a rough and tumble place where the “sour apple” learns how to get along.

In Romans 14:19 Paul counsels, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

This is called getting along.  Sometimes it is a challenge.  Sometimes it means surrendering a privilege.  Being a mature person means weighing the outcomes of certain actions and behaviors.  It means selecting that which will bring harmony to a potentially explosive situation.  Often it is a skill learned during recess.

Recess is important.  Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”  Matthew 5

Written by Roger Bothwell on October 8, 2002

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