Back to School

Shortly following the 4th of July weekend my wife and I were out shopping and running various errands. When we entered the local market we were surprised to see the large “Back to School” banners were already hanging. I had always thought August was the month for back to school shopping; but then again, I remember when Christmas decorations weren’t put on display until November.

The start of the school year can be a very important time for many people. Most of us have some family returning to school in the coming weeks. It means that autumn is just around the corner. It means some relief for the stay at home moms who have been entertaining the neighborhood kids all summer. It also means football season will kickoff soon. (That might be more important to some folks than others.)

I found some interesting facts as I researched this topic.

  • 7.5 billion dollars. The amount of money spent at family clothing stores in August of 2007. This figure is surpassed only by the holiday months of November and December.
  • 3.3 million. The estimated number of High School diplomas given out in the ’08-’09 school year.
  • $9,138. The amount of federal money spent per student in public schools in 2006.

Does it pay to stay in school? It does if you look at the figures provided by the U.S. Census Department.

  • $20,873. The average annual salary of those without a High School diploma.
  • $31,345. The average salary of those who completed High School.
  • $59,408. The average salary individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree.
  • $82,320. The average income of those with advanced degrees.

It is hard to dispute the evidence. The longer an individual stays in school the greater their potential income.

It Is the Same with Recovery

A recovery community is defined as an environment where the focus is abstinence and social activities are geared towards developing skills for continued sobriety.

Many individuals reading this newsletter have integrated back into their daily routines with their families. For those individuals it would not be appropriate to interrupt that routine to reenter a sober living environment. However, it is imperative to stay hungry for life recovery lessons. If your life situation makes it difficult to take on the role of the student, then follow the example of the teachers.

Teachers and counselors (among other professions) are required to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits to remain in their practice. Essentially they are never allowed to stop learning. They must refresh long-standing and proven techniques as well as become educated on the most current trends and successful methods available.

Integrate some continuing education techniques into your program. Here are some suggestions…

  • Dig out your old notes from Calvary
  • Revisit your Big Book and Bible on a regular basis
  • Take a monthly trip to the book store and explore the self-help and recovery section
  • Stay connected with a group that likes to stay active and learn new things

Seek Wisdom

Most of all… seek wisdom. While knowledge is a wonderful thing, it is the individual who consistently pursues wisdom that will find his serenity. Biblically, the word “knowledge” is often preceded by a reference to “wisdom.” (Seek wisdom and you will find knowledge.)

Knowledge is generally defined as, “Expertise and skill acquired by an individual through experience or education.”

Wisdom is a little more difficult to define. Recently I saw this description…

“The ability to predict the consequences of my (or another’s) actions.”

The serenity prayer gains a new meaning by inserting this definition where the word “wisdom” appears.

God, grant me the serenity,
To accept things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can
And (the ability to predict the consequences) so I may know the difference