Mixed...or Maybe Missed Messages

As a teacher, I'm well aware of how important accessing prior knowledge is to the learning process. But sometimes it seems, the connections are a bit off... which can result in mixed messages...and chuckles:

  A preschooler who was getting ready for bed and noticed a little light blinking on the fire alarm mounted on the wall. He had it all figured out and made sure his father didn't miss it. "Dad," he announced. "You have a text message." 

I agree, it's funny. But after we stop laughing, we need to take a look at the bigger picture and what we're teaching our children.

Even though this little boy seemingly thought all blinking lights meant the same thing, it's a powerful example of just how observant young minds are. He also knows that dad responds to these tiny blinking lights regularly and wanted to ensure he didn't miss this one.

With all the devices we adults cart around, I sometimes wonder what kind of messages we're sending our children. Are we sending signals that these things are of utmost importance, and that we can't function without them? Perhaps even more important than the people in our lives?  

I heard about two boys arguing, and one of them told the other  smugly, "Huh, all you have is a flip phone." Now where would he have gotten the message that if you don't own a smart phone there's got be something wrong with you?

Too bad smart phones don't come with a blinking light that means, "Turn phone off and go spend quality time with the people you love."

You yourselves are our letter, 

written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.  

2 Corinthians 3:2