What do you think of when you hear those words?
For some people the words “Spring Break” means to break away from rules and regulations. For others it means breaking away from the monotony of work or school. And still for others it means a time when spring breaks out of the bonds of the winter doldrums.
- For those who seem to think that anything that happens on spring break stays on spring break, I hate to tell you but you are sadly mistaken!! When alcohol reaches the brain it immediately affects the brain’s ability to control behavior and body functions
- As the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream (BAC levels) increases, the body’s functions and behaviors change
- At specific BAC levels the effects are:
- BAC .02% Judgment, inhibitions, and emotions begin to be affected and results are increased relaxation and excessive talking
- BAC .06% Reaction time is decreased, coordination is affected, but neither may be very obvious
- BAC .10% Vision, speech, balance, perception and self-control are affected
- BAC .18% Walking and standing are noticeably affected. (walking a straight line, buttoning a coat)
- BAC .20% Memory is impaired, the brain centers for intelligence, emotions and sensory motor abilities are affected; cannot think clearly and become excited or angered easily
- BAC .30% The body is thrown into a complete state of confusion and the signs are: slurred speech, double vision, hearing impairment, difficult or impossible to judge distances, no longer able to walk normally and sudden mood changes
- BAC .40% The brain can barely function and the nervous system is ineffective ; the person is unconscious or almost unconscious; the body may seem frozen or barely able to move, vomiting or uncontrolled urination may occur
- BAC .50% A person slips into a coma; breathing, heart action and blood pressure are decreased drastically to a dangerously low point; the brain cannot control body temperature; death can and often does occur
So, after a few drinks do you really think you are just having fun? No harm no foul? Do think you will be representing yourself at your best? You say you just want to blow off some steam or sow some wild oats before you graduate and settle down to real life. Well here is the kicker, the wild oats will produce a crop, and one you may not want to harvest. It could be photos that follow you for the rest of your life, or an unplanned pregnancy with someone you do not love, or even an unwanted disease. There are manys way to enjoy a spring break without compromising your values. If you have to be drunk to have fun, is it really fun?
For some people spring break means just getting out of stuffy buildings that have been sapping your creativeness all winter long. If the weather permits, get out and explore some trails at nearby parks and recreational areas. It may be cool, but it will also be invigorating and you will get the cobwebs blown out of your brain.
I hope there are some people out there that will use the spring break time to help others. Whether it be relatives, neighbors, or someone elderly, think about availing yourself to help clean up some yards of winter debris to get ready for spring flowers. Picking up sticks can be a family, scout, or youth group activity, and will make time fly by when working together. How about making this spring break something you can be proud of and not something you laugh about to disguise you embarrassment over foolish behavior!
As parents we need to teach our children to help and serve others, as Jesus did when he washed the feet of the disciples. He came to serve, not to be served, and that is a lesson we could all learn. Let’s help our children learn that it is better to give than receive, of their time, talents and love for other people.
We as authors are given the opportunity to show people just how giving can come back and bless you over and over, in friendships, time and love for one another. Let’s use this spring break to break out of our selfish lives and do more for others, expecting nothing in return.
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Matthew 25:35
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
I Corinthians 15:58