QUESTION:
My son saved his teacher's life when she was choking during class. Should he earn a reward for this?
ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS:
With the limit of only knowing little of the context of the situation, my answer is NO. One exception might be if the teacher somewhat vigorously offers a reward to your son, and you both sense it might be a tad discourteous to refuse it---then maybe a reward could be accepted. But, if you and your son believe he SHOULD be given a reward for saving the teacher, then I believe you have fallen for our culture's new unspoken motto: "I am more important than you." The last few ME-first generations of selfies, MY rights, and a preoccupation with MY interests have usurped previous generations where self-sacrifice for the good of others was paramount. The greatest human being to walk the Earth washed the feet of others, put the interests of others ahead of his own comfort and desires, and followed his own mantra: " I come not to be served, but to serve; and to sacrifice my life for others." That needs to be OUR new mantra.
Your son did a wonderful thing! And any commendation that comes his way is well deserved--that's for sure! What a great story! And he definitely did do the right thing.........But to ask for or demand a reward gives the sense that he acted on behalf of HIMSELF, not others. So, in summary, if a reward is offered--I see nothing wrong with accepting it with all humility. ACCEPT it---don't EXPECT it
