The lessons we practice daily

Every day we are called to live life by certain values. These standards are simply basic principles we learn in childhood and carry with us as we grow older.

Nowadays however, there seems to be a clamor to revive values that were once taught to us especially in the school system. I remember during my school days, my mother made sure to check first our conduct grades before actually looking at our academic grades during report card day. This scared me more than actually failing a subject.

It was more important for her to see that her children were growing up practicing certain values that greatly affected others within the system – in this case, within the four walls of the classroom. I suppose it was her way of gauging whether or not we were growing up to be whole human beings rather than just being smart.

She also knew that what we’ve learned in our youth would be the very same thing we would take with us in adulthood. Being smart for my folks simply wasn’t enough.

As an adult therefore, unselfish friendships that reflect our attitudes toward our fellowmen is to me something I value most. This was my biggest lesson as a child and it is still a continuing “course” for me as life shows us to be true to our obligations.

I use the word obligation because as part of society, we must always remember that we are obligated to one another. Our obligations reflect the common good which as we know is but fair and right as members of society.

Of course, none of us are perfect people, but upholding our values inspires us to always do the right thing. The question that crosses so many minds today however is whether or not values such as respect, compassion, loyalty, meaningful work and trustworthiness are still being taught especially to the youth.

Perhaps it is unfair however to label only the youth as we encounter grown-ups that are just as lacking when it comes to such. Where the problem lies however doesn’t matter.

The point is, there is a problem and as members of society we are obligated to unlearn what needs to be unlearned and make room for necessary values in order to grow.

The lessons we gain from our childhood develop our character and such lessons build on our values which in turn need to be practiced. It is absolutely necessary therefore for all of us to pay attention to the ills afflicting our society most especially for the next generation.

Our dealings as members within a community should have the goal to uplift and encourage rather than discourage or destroy. The common good aspires for the general welfare of society and it is practiced through the smallest or simplest of relationships seen within the family or friendships.

Most of all, the common good is actualized by our good acts toward one another. It seems there is a need for many to go back to basics to remind us on how our actions affect one another.

We should not only be speaking of values, but rather be examples of such. If we want the youth to learn respect, adults must also show respect. If we want our youth to be “men for others,” we must be the same. Practicing the lessons we learn from our childhood is something we carry into adulthood. It becomes a way of life.