Building Blocks - Vol. 1, No. 8
Building Blocks No.8 - 2 May 2006
The Building Blocks is a series of idea to promote “Professional Practice through the Curriculum”. These ideas will be issued periodically in an e-newsletter format to all AE students at Penn State.
Being Faithful in Small Things
In the Parable of Loaned Money, the master complemented the good servant saying “Well done, you have been faithful in small things; I will place you in charge of greater things.”
As we advanced through life’s different stations, much of what seems minor are opportunities to be faithful in small things. These experiences prepare one for the great things that is yet to come. Training ourselves to constantly be faithful in our obligations, no matter how small, is good preparation for larger tasks. It is not whether others notice, it should be enough that you know. It is not for fairness (why should I be the one); it is for the preparation of greater things to come.
I would venture to guess that most of you would consider yourselves a subscriber to the “Green” movement. You would help building owners to be responsible with their choices so that the next generation coming behind us would not be harmed by the fact that this generation preceded them. We would leave the world at least as good as the way we found it, may be even a little better. The next generation should not have to clean up after us.
If this is the great responsibility, what are the small tasks that would train us to be faithful and ready for the larger tasks ahead? What about?
- Push in the chair when you leave a seat at the library or the computer lab?
- Not leave the newspaper in the classroom after you have read it during class?
- Pick up after yourself in your room or apartment so that the people left behind are not looking at the mess?
- Make the studio as nice as you found it at the beginning of the semester?
The 2nd, 4th and 5th year students were all provided nice spaces at the start of the Fall Semester. Take a look around now. Put your “Green” conviction to work. Let everyone know that you really do believe in leaving the place better than you found it. Thanks.