Newsletter   I   AUGUST 2002

THE FIRST AND HARDEST LESSON

"All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," says Robert Fulgham's popular essay and book. In truth, one of life's most important and hardest lessons comes to us long before kindergarten.

This lesson is painful and upsetting to learn, and it goes against what we want to think is true. But it is vital that we learn it.

Many people never do.

The lesson is this: you are not the center of your universe.

You might as well face it.

Once, a long time ago, Nicolaus Copernicus studied the sky and declared, "If man is to know the truth, he must change his thinking! Despite what we have said for years, our earth is not the center of the cosmos - but just one celestial body among many. The sun does not move around us; we move around the sun."

That was a radical adjustment - a revolution in thought.

"All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," says Robert Fulgham's popular essay and book. In truth, one of life's most important and hardest lessons comes to us long before kindergarten.

Years later, Jean Piaget studied children and declared, "Each child must experience his or her own 'Copernican revolution.' They must learn that they are not the center of their world."

This is a private, radical adjustment for every one. "After all," each infant thinks, "My wants have always been met. Let life continue that way! Walls should move out of the way before I run into them. The floor should become soft just as I fall. Everyone should give me their toys if I want them. The rules of games should change so I can always win. And big things like cars should never drive where I might want to run or play."

Sooner or later, life does not cooperate and the child is shocked.

What about us adults? Have we learned the lesson?

Most of us learn it. But Satan urges us to put ourselves back in the center. And many often do, even when they know better.

Jesus Christ studied His audience and declared, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" John 8:31-32. In so many words Jesus was saying, "If you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, you must change your thinking! Despite what your sinful nature tells you, you are not the center of your world. To find life, you must know the truth. Accommodate yourself to that; it will set you free!"

That is the most radical adjustment of all and a hard lesson. The illusion is easier to accept since it justifies selfishness. And it seems like selfishness is part of the nature man is born with.

Some feel that it is too bad that the selfish way is not true. Too bad that it does not bring satisfaction or life.

It is a hard lesson, but an important one. Life goes much better once you have learned this. In fact, life becomes true life, satisfying life, once you surrender to the truth that you are not the center of your world - only God can have that place!

                                                                                               --Adapted from A Treasury of Bible Illustrations  

LETTER FROM THE ISF ASSISTANT Dear International Friend, Our August ISF Gathering will be very special for it is the time for our Annual ISF Picnic! The date is Friday, August 9th at the Veteran's Pavilion in Schenley Park. The pavilion will be open at 1:00 PM and the picnic meal will be served at around 6:00 PM. This is always the ultimate summer "family time" and it's all free. So invite your friends to partake of some good old-fashioned American hamburgers, hot dogs and other traditional picnic food. Even if you don't usually eat meat, there will be plenty of other food for you to enjoy. If you like, feel free to bring something from you own country to add to the table. There will also be games and swings, etc. for all to enjoy. (Below is a map to get to the Vietnam Veteran's Pavilion in Schenley Park.) If you need a ride, the ISF van (light blue) will also be making several trips from Hillman Library to the park starting at about 5:45 PM. We look forward to seeing you on August 9th!                                                                                                  --Terry Tiberio, ISF Assistant

HOW TO BE MISERABLE IN 5 EASY STEPS   

JULY ISF GATHERING