Preconceived Notions

My toddler is going to be in a wedding this weekend.  She is going to be a flower girl and she is really excited.  We even practiced in the chapel last weekend so that she could get the idea about walking down the aisle by herself.  We practiced WALKING down the aisle.  She has a cute dress and new shoes (since she outgrew her old dress shoes); she has a frilly hair bow and gets to hold a small bouquet.

When she tells me about the wedding she tells me about how the bride will wear a poufy dress and there will be music in the big church.  She has very preconceived notions about weddings.  I am not really sure where those notions come from, but she seems to have missed some pretty obvious things like the groom and keyed in on others, particularly that the dress should be white and big. I wonder what Disney books and what TV shows have shaped her imaginary pictures and made her so sure about how it will be.  Let’s just hope she walks.

As we start another academic year as a community, what preconceived notions do we bring with us?  One of the gifts of a college community is that there is a constant rotation of new students and a regular introduction of new faculty of staff.  New people are welcomed into the community, and there should always be new ideas and reflection.  Do we remember to adapt?  Do we remember to approach the “same tasks” with openness to try them in new ways?  If we are new to the community, do we come prepared to adapt?  Are we willing to learn in new ways, teach in a new context, or serve a slightly different environment?

I am hoping that the flower girl won’t be too disappointed when she finds out that this Saturday’s bride is wearing a straight column dress, not poufy at all.  I tried to break the news to her, but I fear it will be a shock.  As we start a new academic year, I have two prayers to share with you, a Prayer for Openness to New Experiences and a Prayer for a New Attitude.  Please use one or both, as appropriate.  Here we go!

Blessings, Stephanie