"Stuck in Third" is a concept that has been swerling around my brain this month. I just can not get this term out of my thoughts. I work with 13 third and fourth graders, so the title could be "Stuck in Third/Fourth!" Their silliness, chattiness and emotional ups and downs have infiltrated my soul. They have taken me back to my innocence as a third grader. In third grade I was excited about life. I enjoyed my friendships and my family. I have fond memories of my third grade teacher, Miss Holman. She was an African-American woman in her thirties or forties, soft-spoken and compassionate. She introduced Marian Anderson to the class as her heroine and her love for the finer things transferred to me.
My mother always joked that I'd better marry a man with money. I always wanted more out of life, but I did not know how to get them, except in my dreams. I wanted to be a great dancer; but alas I couldn't really dance. In my mind, I dressed in ballgowns and danced with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. These were the male role models that I had in the 50's and 60's. Of course, there was Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, but his dancing was limited to dancing with Shirley Temple up and down the stairways of the plantations where he worked as a butler.
But, here I am at 58...struck once again with the excitement of dancing. The excitement and tintilation was resurrected when I watched Barack and Michelle Obama dance across my television screen at the Inaugeral Balls. At last, we have role models that our young boys and girls can look up to. Being stuck in the third grade mindset brings forth a sense of excitement and hope, anything is possible.
I highly recommend "Dreams of My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope" written by President Obama. As you read, you hear his voice telling you that he knew from a very long time where he was going. He planned it well. Now is your time to not only dream and plan; but to work toward achieving your hearts desire. There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord walked each step of this man's climb to success.
Our pastor, Rev. George E. Holland, Sr., has challenged us to change our mindset, to be more disciplined in our living. What a blessing it has been for me. I have so many things that I want to accomplish this year. Meditation, simplifying my daily tasks and staying in a celebratory frame of life will keep me stuck in third. Who would have thought at my age, I would be still accelerating instead of slowing down.
My husband and I are looking forward to working with others and growing a lifestyle that benefits not only us as individuals, but our community and our church. This is not just lip service. This is truly our goal. Stuck in Third! Excited about life and the possibilities.
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