GHOST OF STUDENT PAST

The rich and the poor have this in common…they both prefer rich over poor. One of my former students is a USC Trojan now and she was on Facebook earlier today when she accidentally started a chat conversation with me. I quickly released her of any obligation to talk to me. I know how awkward it is to “butt dial” someone and then feel like you have to hold a meaningful conversation. Nevertheless, she said she was glad for the impromptu conversation. It was close to time for a class so she didn’t have long to talk, just long enough to remind me that, “Adults…,” as she distantly referred to us “never seem to do the things they have passion for.” I hope she doesn’t sue me for libel but that’s pretty close to her quote.

Needless to say, it led me to a question I’ve been asking for too many years to count, why money matters so much. People say it doesn’t but the lifestyle of most people in the lane next to yours says it does. I wish my conversation with my former student had lasted a bit longer. The wisdom came swiftly as if from “Jaga” the old Thundercat spirit who guided Lion-O and his band of brave feline hybrids on Third Earth. (Pardon the cartoon reference from my childhood…waited a long time to work that one in.”

At any rate, my student seemed disgusted that everyone makes the means of money and end all. She basically said “Good for you Mr. Coulter for doing what you are passionate about…” and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I’m just as nervous, stained with avarice and opportunistic as other adults until the Lord reminds me to offer my gift whatever it is.’ There’s a practicality to living on this Earth but my former student cut to the quick as if to unknowingly check the teacher – Get ya mind on something that really matters Mr. Coulter. Alright already. I stand haunted and humbled. FIGHT ON!