Holiday Gratitude

By Stephen C. Schultz


As I watched the crowds pushing and shoving on "Black Friday" this year, I was a bit saddened at what I saw. There were people knocked over, stepped on and pepper sprayed. There was grabbing and reaching and yelling. There were gang fights and people run over in parking lots. It seemed all semblance of human decorum had vanished and decency, consideration, patience and basic manners had crashed to a new low.


I was reminded of a little boy in a remote village in Africa who knows nothing of the latest X-Box Game, cell phone, "tablet" or designer clothing. He was thrilled to get some clothes and a small portion of food. Take a look at this heartwarming Christmas experience for a young boy in Africa.

During this Holiday Season, may we pause for a moment and find Joy in the simple things of life. May we also recognize the more subtle needs of others such as being wrapped in the "blanket" of belonging or "nourished" at the table of kindness.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GOOD MEMORIES

Image
After more than two years of former students and parents posting on Facebook and other social media outlets that they wanted to come back to RedCliff to visit, RedCliff finally gave in and sponsored a reunion! More than 50 former students, parents and staff braved the ever changing Southwest Utah weather to come back to a place that literally changed lives forever. Take a look at the April 2011 RedCliff Ascent Reunion! You'll be glad you did!


Read more

An Open Letter to Parents Researching RedCliff Ascent

Image
By Stephen C. Schultz


"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave."


Having been raised in Oregon, I spent the majority of my childhood and teenage year’s steelhead fishing the coastal waters, climbing the Middle Sister in the Cascade Mountain Range, drifting the McKenzie River and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. 
I have mentioned to friends, family and colleagues on many occasions;  
“From a therapeutic standpoint, there is no better place to have a student’s issues manifested quickly than in a wilderness setting.”
The question then becomes, “Why do therapeutic issues rise to the surface in an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare program like RedCliff Ascent?”


Throughout the years of teenage development, most teens spend a lot of time with friends. These friends think the same, dress the same, act the same, listen to the same music and sometimes get into the same types of trouble. Some teens also develop patterns of communication and manipulation while simultaneously avoiding…
Read more

A peek inside "The Interpreted Rock"

Image
By Stephen C. Schultz


I was sitting in Atlanta waiting for a flight to Bermuda. It was actually a work related trip and the conversation between my wife and I as I headed out the door was;

“Yes, it’s Bermuda. But, it’s a short stay and we will be in a workshop the whole time.”

“Oh…I’m crying crocodile tears!” she mocked.



It was no use. There is no way to gain anyone’s sympathy when you are headed to Bermuda. It is a wonderful place for sure. I’m fortunate to work with an organization that takes seriously the support and encouragement of families no matter where they are located.

I received a message on my phone from a friend who said it had been a while since I posted something on my blog. She said she looked forward to seeing what was next.

I mentioned this to my brother Jared, who was sitting next to me in the airport (why he was going to Bermuda with me is another story). I showed him the message from my friend and mentioned that I had a blog. He laughed. I mentioned it was a blog…
Read more