Walk To The Beat Of Your Own Drum

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. ~Henry David Thoreau~

I have spent many hours in elementary schools. I have seen classes in the hallways numerous times and heard many different instructions being given.

• Stand straight and face front

• Stay in line

• Be quiet

• Eyes straight ahead

Okay, I understand teaching young children to follow directions, but are we raising robots? As I walk by, very few kids make eye contact with me, the few that do I smile at, and they look at me like “Yikes!” Am I going against the teacher when I smile at a child in the hallway? I sure don’t want them to get in trouble, but I would like them to see a friendly face on me! I saw a class in line, all being good little robots, except the girl at the end of the line. She was swaying and dancing along down the hall. My first thought was “You go, girl!” My next thought was, “She’s going to get in trouble.” Poor thing. It’s fun to have fun, at appropriate times, as long as it isn’t hurting anyone. Maybe recess is the only appropriate time these days.

I do understand the need to teach children to respect the rules, but are we squashing the heart of the free spirited child? Are we repressing the right to be ones-self? Conform or you’re in trouble. Oh, that just scares me. I hope these youngsters have opportunities, outside of school hallways, to be who they are… artists, philosophers, designers, developers, deep thinkers, pioneers in a career field.

If you have a free spirited child, or you are a free spirit, be sure to allow them/yourself a place and time to spread your wings and fly. Don’t break the law or hurt anyone in the process but discover who you were meant to be. Have a fantastic weekend!

The little drummer boy may have walked to the beat of his own drum, but he followed his heart and it led him to Jesus (at least that’s how the story goes – grin).

Last year, For King & Country released a fabulous rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.” Go ahead… click the link turn up the music and dance!