“Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down”. Proverbs 26:20
Throughout my adult life, I have come to learn that either you posses an understanding of automobiles or you don’t. Those who understand cars and their mechanical intricacies usually can identify when there is a problem. In addition, they have a general idea of the cause of the issue. Those of us who do not speak the language of “car” always have a Plan B of knowing where to take our automobiles when something seems off.
My husband did not pass any automotive knowledge or understanding down to my children, so when my middle son’s car seemed to be running rough last week, he took it to his trusted mechanic. However, upon lifting the hood and taking a careful examination of what was occurring deep inside the engine of the car, the mechanic called him over to see for himself. My son sent us the attached photos with the comment, “Looks like I have a family of five spending their Spring Break under my hood!” Fortunately, this family of squirrels only tried to nest in his filters and had not progressed to snacking on some of his wires! Sometimes, to get to the source of a problem, you need to pop the exterior hood and examine what is going on in the inside!
For the past two years, St. Matthew Lutheran School has been implementing the Biblically based “Friendzy” curriculum, which is designed to enhance and expand each student’s social and emotional intelligence skills through the lens of Scripture.
The Friendzy program allows for each student to look under his/her personal hood and perform a self-examination of how they are wired and if their connections are healthy!
Friendzy teaches self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision- making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Through fun and engaging lessons, students experience relevant and applicable opportunities that allow for them to reflect on their own mental health, as well as their relationships with others.
This month, our Friendzy lesson focuses on the topic of gossip, and recognizing the destructive nature gossip can possess in friendships and any relationship. Self-awareness is an essential component of becoming a good friend. Self-awareness begins when we can identify why we act the way that we do. One word prompt that is assisting with our ability for self-awareness regarding the topic of gossip is “WAIT”…. meaning you need to ask yourself...
Why
Am
I
Talking?
In other words, why am I sharing the information that I am sharing? Is someone going to be built up or hurt by what I am sharing?
In addition, another technique students are learning regarding how to stop gossip is utilizing the response "Why Are You Telling Me This?” This statement communicates that we are not interested in hearing gossip or spreading rumors.
Throughout this month, students will participate in a variety of object lessons that will help solidify the devastation and destruction gossip can do to relationships.
Please note that I am sharing this information with parents so that you are aware of what is being instructed at school. My hope is that this information will allow for you to have opportunities to support and reinforce these concepts at home, and help solidify the retention of this knowledge and these practices.
As we continue through the season of Lent, we are extremely cognizant of our sinful human nature and tendencies. Rejoicing that we have a Savior that loved us so much that He went to the cross to save us from all of our sins… including gossip!
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka