Learning to Make Good Decisions Can Be a Tough Lesson to Learn

This morning, walking up to the front doors of the school, security let me bypass the line of students waiting to get in and enter the building. In front of me was a mother and daughter. I noticed our principal was walking toward us. (He is not a small man-- rather striking to look at. Getting called to the office pretty much strikes terror into the hearts of, well, everybody.) He noticed the mother and daughter walking together and said, "Are you guys on your way to my office?"

The mother said, "Yes."

"Go on in, and I'll be there in just a minute."

I walked to the mail room to clock in and check my mailbox. On my way back out, I noticed the girl was walking out of the restroom with a wad of tissues in her hand-- obviously in preparation for a less than positive meeting with principal and her mother. And I thought, "It's gonna be a long day for her." And then I remembered some long days I've had. Learning to do the right thing and learning to make good decisions is a tough road at the time you're on it. But most of the time, unless you're risking life or limb, you make it through it. It can end up being a positive experience if you choose to grow from it.

I hope this girl makes that choice. She'll be better for it.