Student Celebration Weekend - Thursday
Hebrews 10:24
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (NLT)
I know it’s summer, but let's have a little fun with a Pop Quiz today!
What do these movies have in common: Stand and Deliver (1988), Mr. Holland's Opus (1995), Good Will Hunting (1997), Finding Forrester (2000), The Great Debaters (2007), and Freedom Writers (2007)?
Answer: They all showcase adults who made a significant impact on younger people’s lives through uncommon dedication, innovation, and compassion.
When done well, movies can remind us of life’s most important lessons. It may be a memorable line, a captivating performance, or seeing ourselves reflected in a character that helps us recalibrate back to living a better story.
About halfway through the Oscar-winning movie Good Will Hunting, there is a turning point. In one of the emotionally charged therapy sessions, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) begins to break through Will Hunting’s (Matt Damon) defensive barriers with a profound line, “You'll have bad times, but it'll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to.”
Only someone who’s been through it says something like that. Only someone who’s walked the path before. Much more than movies, we need people in our lives to guide us. We need examples with real wisdom. We need mentors who emphasize what truly matters. We need someone older to encourage us. Why?—because that has the power to change our trajectory.
As today’s verse makes clear, “Let us think of ways to motivate…to encourage…to spur one another on…to acts of love and good works.” Who are you doing that for?
Thursday’s Reflection
It’s easy to start. Make time to listen encouragingly to what a younger person is going through. People want to be heard—if they don’t feel heard, frustration rises. Ask them to share their point of view or ideas they may have or something tough they’re facing. Look for ways to encourage them from what they share. Simple, but powerful.
