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 – October 2002
rogerbothwell.org