PASS IT ON

January 11, 2010

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18

I’ve just learned about an exciting program for teachers in the national parks. Teacher to Ranger to Teacher allows educators to put on a uniform, receiving training and work for the National Park Service during the summer.

This nationwide endeavor is designed to let instructors from predominately Title 1 schools (where at least 30% of students receive free or reduced cost meals) share in the duties of the park education work force. Teachers will do a variety of jobs, depending on the needs of each park, including hosting nature walks, interpreting on park trails, and leading weekly programs for children and teens.

This is an attempt by the Park Service to provide access to cultural, natural and recreational opportunities to those school districts that struggle to connect with the parks, due to various social and economic factors. The goal is for the teachers to take their experience and what they’ve learned back to the schools, to supplement their lessons and encourage students and their families to take advantage of these places that are an integral part of our national heritage.

What a terrific idea! Students hopefully will be interested in what their instructor has to teach them about the parks—and perhaps be even more impressed to realize he or she gave up his or her summer to learn it first hand.

Oh, that we all would make the same effort to pass on an appreciation and awe of God’s power and might!

It’s not a new analogy, but this transfer of knowledge is like a team track event in which a baton must be conveyed to the next runner. This crucial maneuver has to be practiced constantly, because a fumbled baton often means the race is lost.

The battle over who or what will win the hearts and minds of those who are coming up behind us is too important to leave to chance.  In this new year, as I often feel like I’m getting older and grayer by the minute, I’m renewing my commitment to handle well this faith baton I’m holding out to my daughter, my nieces and nephews, and the other younger people with whom I regularly interact. No matter if the faith you have to pass on is as small as a mustard seed (and if you don’t have even that, ask God and He’ll happily supply it), I hope you’ll join me.

Because there’s always another generation to tell.

2 comments

  1. Elise Daly Parker says:

    I’m passing your post on to Phyl who is working in the Newark schools. Wow! I’m also passing it onto Chris. Maybe one day we’ll do this together. Thanks for the reminder to run the race with perseverance!!

  2. Sara Harless says:

    And sometimes they pass the baton back to us. In a recent really dry spell in my faith life, it’s my son who has encouraged to keep going, keep seeking.

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