Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed Silhouette Stage School’s summer show. We saw the results of creative choreography and patient teaching as, after weeks of practice, the children performed exceptionally well.
When a group of youngsters are performing a dance, you notice the one that makes a slight mistake not those who perform perfectly! It doesn’t matter, but you still notice!
Yesterday morning at church Minister-Lou talked about Jesus, the ‘Good Shepherd’. The caring, experienced shepherd leads his flock; the sheep trust the shepherd because he’s good. We often hear about the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep…
By deliberate action or thoughtless wandering, the sheep has got itself lost, and the shepherd has to take remedial action.
The World Cup has started. Scotland have won their first game; England’s first game is on Wednesday. Experts analyse each game. Great skill – especially resulting in great goals – is replayed and praised.
Bad mistakes are also highlighted; the mistakes of one player affect the reputation of the team, and the happiness of a whole nation!
In ‘The Best Catholics in the World’ Derek Scally reports on horrendous cases of cruelty, physical and sexual abuse that have come to light in recent years. He reflects on the perpetrators, the victims… and also ordinary people, bystanders who took no action.
He describes the ‘Bystander Effect’, a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present. This may be due to a diffusion of responsibility; it may be about fear of judgment, or plain ignorance…
Musing… On times when I’ve got it wrong… like children dancing, I’m doing my best, but I’m out of step… like sheep, I thoughtlessly wander off, ignoring the consequences… like footballers, the repercussions of my mistake can affect many… like the inactive bystander who allows wrongdoing to continue…
Praying… for the honesty to see when I’ve got it wrong… to confront and own my mistakes… to have the courage and determination to put things right.
malcolmsmusings.org 