Daniel Skognes

I sent out a question asking what needs to be taught in schools that is not currently being taught. I was surprised at how often I read that “common sense” needs to be taught. The question which I came up with subsequently was, “How do you teach common sense?”

Common sense is not part of any curriculum that I know of that is currently being taught in our schools. So…how do you teach it? Common sense comes from developing the ability to make choices that are positive and beneficial, but how do you get it? Is it hereditary? Can it be learned? Do you develop it from experience?

I don’t have all the answers here, but I do know that there is a lot of truth to the adage: “It takes a village.” When kids are taught in their homes right from wrong, consequences for their choices, self control, and the impact of their decisions, teachers are able to do what they are hired to do without the continual behavior interruptions.

Common sense comes from proper teaching at home, at school, and throughout life. It comes from making choices and seeing the outcomes…both good and bad, and learning the lesson hopefully the first time. I know that addictions and abusive behaviors can and will cloud a child’s judgment. We obviously need to protect kids from all harm.

There is no simple remedy to instilling common sense, but if we work together as parents, teachers, and as a community, we can teach it collectively. Certainly we need to model common sense for the kids. If we don’t have it ourselves, how can we possibly teach it? Common sense begins at home for all of us, and that begins with looking in the mirror.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

Have you every seen someone who is going on an overnight trip and they pack like they will be there a year? I have. It is funny in one sense, but it is disturbing on another level. The more you carry, the harder the trip is and the more people it will affect in a negative way.

Emotional bags are the heaviest things you will ever carry. I know adults that are still carrying emotional baggage from when they were just kids. They have never learned how to unpack, so sadly, their luggage gets heavier and heavier as they travel on the road of life. It sucks the joy out of their lives and destroys or disrupts relationships they could have had.

You can’t ignore emotional scars. The deepest wounds are often created by those we love and trust the most which makes it even harder to deal with. The wounds from someone you love can be healed, but it takes time, patience, love, and forgiveness. Whether you’ve been abandoned, cheated on, lied to, or abused, there is hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

It is painful to confront our past, but I do know a therapist that is open 24/7 and he has the answers to any problem you might be facing. He is the Lord God Almighty. The Bible tells us that we are to cast our burdens upon Him. We were never intended to deal with all of our problems ourselves. God even gave us an instruction book to help us any time we are needing it. The weird thing is that so many people have never even opened up the Bible and read it, and then they wonder why their lives are a living hell.

Allow God to help you with any hurt that you are dealing with. He never promised us a life free of pain, but He did promise His blessing, His help, His love, His guidance, and His strength to help you through any storm you are facing. He can help you unpack your bags, lighten your load, and get you back on track and living a life that is meaningful, joyful, and hopeful.

I realize that many situations require a therapist with skin on them. Just make sure their advice lines up with God’s Word. Anything short of that will leave you with even more baggage to deal with.

It is never too late to unpack your bags. The sooner the better…for you and all those that will cross your path.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

Walks are therapeutic. They are great for your health and also for you state of mind. Next time you are feeling stressed out, take a walk. If you have a spouse or friend who can walk with you, even better. Walking and talking relieves stress in magical ways. When we are allowed to get something off our chest in a safe place, it clarifies the situation and allows for options to be considered that you may not have imagined. Just make sure you take someone positive with you. You don’t need someone to pour gas on the fire. You need someone who will listen and love you through it in a non-judgmental way. If you have nobody to walk with you, remember that God is always with you and He is a GREAT listener. The only caution I would give you is that if you are alone and talking to God out loud, make sure you are in a secluded place. Otherwise, people just might think you are crazy! :o)

As a footnote, I do walks and talks with kids regularly at school to allow them to cool down from volatile situations and vent to me. Most of the time they calm down when they are truly heard. In the end, isn’t that what everyone wants: to be respected and heard? Self control is best learned at an early age, but we are never too old to learn it.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes