This week’s SPIRIT talks about the expectations we place on ourselves and that others place upon us. High school is a stressful time that challenges us to balance academics, social lives, work obligations, and activities like sports or music. At times, all these responsibilities can feel like weight of the world on our shoulders and get in the way of making good decisions about grades, relationships, or even physical/mental health. The song “Guiding Light” is about paying attention to the expectations that guide us and those around us. It’s about recognizing that we aren’t perfect, but that we can also serve as beacons of light to our family and friends.
Key Lyrics: If we come back and we’re broken / Unworthy and ashamed / Give us something to believe in / And you know we’ll go your way / ‘Cause I know I had it all on the line / But don’t just sit with folded hands and become blind / ‘Cause even when there is no star in sight / You’ll always be my only guiding light
Questions: What expectations do you have of yourself? What expectations do others have for you? When have these expectations clashed? How do they influence the way you make decisions? How do you balance them out? Who guides you? Who can you guide?