Recently, my LG Android phone fell from a counter to a tiled floor, and since I had already made light work of cracking its protective cover, the glass display screen cracked severely. Naturally, the phone itself still worked, but every time I swiped my finger across the face of the phone, my finger encountered tiny glass shards that would embed themselves into my skin.
Like most people, I have learned that I cannot be without that phone. How can I expect myself to engage in a conversation, or read a book without the constant sound coming from my phone notifying me of what everyone else is thinking or doing? If the screen is broken, it may still function as it should, but I am much less inclined to respond, or use the device if it?Äôs broken and potentially a hazard. My phone is expensive. It pained me to pay to replace it, but I knew in the long run it would be worth it.
I do realize that analogy is not nearly the same caliber situation as our school asking us to share in the expense of updating, and improving the facilities we have available to our children and our community, but the concept of deciding to live with things in their current condition, or spending the money to have them replaced to eliminate a hazard, or invite potential opportunities, is the same situation. As with all expenditures, whether expected or unexpected, a person wonders if they can afford it, and if it is necessary. Above all, they wonder what they benefit from the spend.
If you?Äôve ever heard a young couple say, ?ÄúWe aren?Äôt having kids right now, we?Äôre waiting until we can afford it.?Äù And replied with, ?ÄúYou?Äôll never be able to afford it,?Äù you know exactly why you gave them that advice. In the long run, it is worth it. The benefits are endless, and you may not see the return on investment immediately, but you know having kids, (or joining a certain community, church or organization) is about more than the money. And maintaining the investment is part of that choice as well. In the case of our school, the referendum on June 6 is about more than the money. You are contributing to the future by investing in a better, safer, and ultimately more inviting educational environment for growth in our community.
Vote Yes on June 6th.
Kristi Stanwick