Monday, November 10, 2008

Begin with a Question

Q. And why sir have you come?
A. I have come to raise your level of expectation.

Q. But sir, our expectations are acceptable.
A. I regret to inform you that you have accepted expectations at a very low level.

Q. But sir how can you tell such is the case?
A. I have listened to your children at play, at work, at study, at your dinner table.

Q. And sir what is not acceptable about them?
A. Your children have settled into certain repetitious patterns which you find acceptable and pleasing, for they are meeting your expectations.

Q. And sir, is that not acceptable?
A. If you were to ask each of your children each night at the dinner table about their expectations and what would they do to raise their effectiveness at play, at work, at study, with their playmates...what would be your expectation?

Q. Sir, I have not offered this opportunity, but rarely.
A. Then you have the opportunity to take that which is rarely done and make it a constant companion. The very question will raise within each child that opening that even your expectations are not low, as might be perceived by lack of stimulation.

Q. Sir, you must be a good Christian or Muslim or Jew or Hindu or Buddhist or some other sect?
A. I am a traveler who sat at the table with good human beings as a child, and even now as a man, and discussed this topic of raising expectations ... first within ... and the natural progression which leads to sharing the idea with others.

Q. And sir, what is your expectation of me?
A. Make that which was rare and so valuable a daily practice. Ask the question.

by Reverend T. Wade Clegg III