Taking Stock

My oldest son, in tenth grade, has been amassing documentation for his National Honor Society application. Had any of my kids been interested in joining the Scouts it would have been easier to collect credentials of leadership and community service. But the boy did okay. Captain of soccer team, teacher selected student of the month and quarter, first chair clarinet in 8th grade band, soup kitchen volunteer since 9th grade. We dug out letters of acceptance to French Honor Society and the like, letters of thanks for participation in charity walks, programs from summer theater arts shows.

Sure, it's taken a bunch of time to find everything and make copies, but it's also been fun for my son to recall all his involvement and distinction. Wouldn't it be neat if we all took stock in our accomplishments and activities every so often, just for the sake of doing it? Might be a good emotional pick-me-up on a rotten day.