Anita Ojeda 
Camping on the School Lawn?
“Mr. Ojeda gave me permission to camp on the school lawn over home leave,” one of my students declared earlier today.
“Ha!” I responded. “I don’t think so.”
The sentiment behind the fib catches my breath tonight as I ride down the road, our RV trailing behind us, to enjoy a few days of camping in a warmer climate.
My student wanted to stay on campus rather than go home for four days.
I grew up with incredible privilege.
No, I didn’t grow up in a rich family, but the stark difference between my upbringing and that of my students stabs me at times. I always had a house to live in—no matter what part of the country we lived in. My family has always loved me. Without a doubt, I have always felt wanted. My parents sacrificed so that I could attend Christian schools. I grew up with the certainty that I could be whatever I wanted to be.
I Grew Up With Incredible Privilege
After college, I got married, we had two daughters, and live a comfortable life. Yes, our family has gone through some rough times. But I know without a doubt that we’re working exactly where God wants us. Some days the fierce love for my students wars with my need to take care of myself.
I need time alone with Pedro. But I also feel guilty that I can’t take all of the kids who don’t want to (or shouldn’t) go home along with us. I feel the guilt of privilege each time I hear of someone oppressed or denied because of the color of their skin, their gender, sexual preference, religion, political party, socioeconomic status, or lack of education.
My prayer? That I never forget that this ‘privilege’ really means ‘responsibility.’ God’s accounting system works like this: He gives you things—opportunities, blessings, family, love—and you give back.
You take responsibility for sharing what you’ve been given with those in need. You don’t judge, you just give.
At the same time, you learn to take care of yourself without indulging yourself. You build relationships (you DON’T swoop in with all the answers). It gets messy sometimes, this living responsibly. People break your heart, but you learn to take that broken heart to Jesus. You have that privilege. Always.
Privilege means sharing what you’ve been given without judgement. Click To Tweet
Great privilege = great responsibility. SO TRUE.
Thanks for stopping by, Susan!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
I agree! This was my angle, too. Privilege and responsibility may seem like opposites, but they’re not. Privilege is a gift; it’s our responsibility to use it well.
Great post, Lila! I liked your reminder that we need to see our relationship with our spouse as a privilege and responsibility as well.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
So true, we shouldn’t forget our responsibility to those who don’t have the same privileges we do.
Lesley recently posted…The Greatest Privilege
Amen! It’s easy to forget, though, isn’t it?
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Amen! So much THIS: “. I feel the guilt of privilege each time I hear of someone oppressed or denied because of the color of their skin, their gender, sexual preference, religion, political party, socioeconomic status, or lack of education.” I’m right there with you. I’m in the 38 spot this week.
I don’t think that I grew up thinking that I was privileged, but when I look back on my life, boy, am I ever!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Anita, I LOVE where you took this post. And this right here:
this ‘privilege’ really means ‘responsibility.’
You said it so well. God gives to us so we can, in turn, give to others. LOVED this post, my friend!
Thank you :).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Hi
I love your statement: My prayer? That I never forget that this ‘privilege’ really means ‘responsibility.’ God’s accounting system works like this: He gives you things—opportunities, blessings, family, love—and you give back.
Beautiful,
Blessings
Janis
#46 FMF
Thanks for stopping by, Janis! (and for catching my errors ;)).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
great post anita:) great reminder of what our challenges are as privileged people!
Thank you, Martha!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
I totally agree. As a teacher I feel torn in the same way for my students, for my own needs. I want to take up the responsibility and yet maintain a healthy life. Thanks for the encouragement today!
Katha recently posted…I Don’t Deserve This
It’s a tough thing to do, isn’t it? I struggle with guilt as well as acknowledge the need to take care of myself.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Oh, so very true! I think that those who work at schools, especially, feel this responsibility.
Those who work at schools, or have foster kids, or work with marginalized people of any kind!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Your reflections on the responsibility that comes with privilege are both inspiring and challenging. It’s so easy to take our own advantages and blessings for granted, without considering the ways in which we can use them to make a positive impact in the world. Your call to action to use our privilege to support and uplift others is a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected and have a responsibility to use our resources for good. Thank you for sharing these important thoughts and ideas with us – your post is a great inspiration to be more mindful of the power and privilege that we possess, and to use it for the greater good.