Snubbing

Johnny Jones, 13 September 2002

This boy, now a senior in secondary school, has been given a doctor's certificate stating that a "nervous breakdown" forces him to leave school for six months. As a young child, he spoke late, and he was never a good student; he has no friends, and his teachers regard him as a problem. The father is ashamed not only of his son's poor adjustment to school, but of his lack of athletic ability as well. The boy's parents simply regard him as "different."

Who is the social misfit characterized so unappealingly in A Child's Journey? Would you want your son to bring him home as a friend, or your daughter as a date? Perhaps so, if you realized the later accomplishments of his life. This young Jewish man was later offered the Presidency of Israel, which he refused. His name? Albert Einstein.

How much richer would Einstein's classmates have found their life had they helped him instead of giving him a hard time. Not every child is born socially gifted. In our schools, the socially gifted dominate, and cruelties to children who lack this talent are rarely corrected. "Popularity" plays an inordinate role, and not only with students. Adults in school can also be manipulated and charmed.

Our nephew had Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; one of the hallmarks of many children with ADHD is a lack of social appeal. When he was younger, Christopher did not censor what he said, at all. As a result, he constantly said things which offended those around him.

However, I've never known a child with a sweeter spirit. He never had money; he'd already spent it on others. Like Amy. The first time Chris and his Dad went to Sam's together after Amy came for a visit, Chris saw a ring he thought Amy would like, but that he could not afford. "Please, Dad, I HAVE to buy that ring for Amy," he begged. "I'll give you all my money and all my allowance this summer, and wash your car every week."

When Chris washed the car, he made a huge mess in the drive, and he may have wet down the upholstery. His heart, however, is big and loving. He prayed every night for others, fervent, concerned prayers. He knew he had a problem - no, that he was a problem - but he forgave others when they treated him badly. Even as an eight year old, he seemed to understand.

Wouldn't it be great if others gave him some breaks? A well-liked teachers can do much to promote acceptance or rejection of a child in her classroom. It's when the teacher feels free to show her irritation and pick on a child that the other kids get brutal.

Rejection of kids not socially gifted is widespread and approved. Snubbing kids who are not socially adept is accepted; snubbing kids in other areas is not. Now, we all know that snubbing for any reason is a nasty thing to do.

And you never know how theyâre going to turn out. Chris has become a charming young man, well-liked and fun to be around. And remember Albert Einstein and his early experiences, and what a blessing he was to the world.

So let's get our priorities sorted out and value lasting qualities: Things like love, faith, perseverance, humility, loyalty, and kindness. Against these there is no law.