Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Whit: Oh, hi there. I'm John Avery Whittaker, but you can call me Whit. We were just getting ready for a time of wonder, excitement, and discovery. You care to join us? You never know what'll happen next when you have an adventure in Odyssey.

Chris: Try an Adventures in Odyssey Club membership to hear even more faith-building stories. Get access to over 1,000 episodes, including club exclusives. Try a membership for 14 days free to see if it's right for your family. Go to adventuresinodyssey.com.

Lawrence: Hahaha! Won't Destructo be surprised when I finish this transparent molecular reduction formula? It will make me invisible, and I'll be able to pass silently through their secret meetings and thwart their criminal plans. A little of this, a little of that, and some cinnamon for flavor. I have it! Hahaha! Now for the test. Bottoms up! Ooh, I can feel it working already.

Guest (Male): Open up, Hodgis! We know you're in there. Open up or we'll huff and we'll puff and we'll knock your door in.

Lawrence: Hurry formula, hurry! Yes! Yes! My fingers are disappearing. Then my arms. Hahaha! Even if they do get in, they'll never see me.

Lawrence's Mom: Lawrence! Lawrence, what's the matter with you? What are you doing in your closet?

Lawrence: I'm not in my closet. I'm invisible.

Lawrence's Mom: Have you finished your homework?

Lawrence: You can't talk to me because you can't see me.

Lawrence's Mom: Come out of there.

Lawrence: Oh no! Destructo has perfected special glasses to see the invisible.

Lawrence's Mom: Quit playing around. I thought you wanted to go to the Barclays' party.

Lawrence: I do!

Lawrence's Mom: That's why I want to know if you finished your homework.

Lawrence: Not exactly. Not all of it. I will when we come back from the party.

Lawrence's Mom: Sorry, you'll finish it and then we'll go to the party.

Lawrence: But we're late! They're waiting for us.

Lawrence's Mom: They're waiting for you. And they'll keep waiting until you finish your homework, particularly your science homework. What have you been doing all this time?

Lawrence: Just stuff. Top secret stuff.

Lawrence's Mom: Mhm.

Lawrence: Mom, my science homework is so boring. Nobody cares about that junk. Big deal if scientists call water H2O whatever. Why can't they just call it water like everybody else?

Lawrence's Mom: Sorry, Lawrence, but I happen to be a teacher and I won't get into a value of education debate with my own son. Now get it finished and then we'll go to the Barclays'.

Lawrence: All right, but under protest.

Lawrence's Mom: Fine. If you need help, just yell. I better call the Barclays.

Guest (Female): Ooh, this looks good.

Mary Barclay: Donna, bring in the knife for the cake, will you? Mrs. Henderson at the bakery made this chocolate cake especially for us.

Donna Barclay: Here's the cake cutter, Mom.

Mary Barclay: Oh, thank you. Who was that on the phone?

Donna Barclay: Mrs. Hodgis. They're going to be late because Lawrence didn't finish his homework. She said to go on without them.

Mary Barclay: All right. You know, just cutting the cake doesn't seem right. It needs candles or something to commemorate what's happening.

Jimmy Barclay: Well, then let me propose a toast. Punch glasses up, everyone. To George Barclay, well, Dad, congratulations for your acceptance into seminary.

Donna Barclay: And the part-time job at the church!

Jimmy Barclay: Oh yeah, and the part-time job at the church. And to Mary Barclay, well, Mom, congratulations on the little baby growing inside of you. I guess we have a lot of adventures ahead of us.

George Barclay: Hear, hear! And allow me to add something to that: our heartfelt gratitude to the author of our adventures, our Heavenly Father. Amen.

Just so everybody knows, I went to the registry office at the seminary and signed up for classes. I got there right in the nick of time, I guess.

Donna Barclay: When do your classes start, Dad?

George Barclay: Next week.

Mary Barclay: I think I need to sit down. I'm getting tired thinking about it.

Donna Barclay: You're not feeling sick again, are you, Mom?

Mary Barclay: Oh no, I'll be all right. Pass the ketchup, Jimmy.

George Barclay: She's not feeling sick, but the rest of us might.

Mary Barclay: I don't know what you're talking about, George.

George Barclay: I'm talking about your cravings, darling. Sudden cravings for anchovies with your ice cream.

Mary Barclay: Oh, that. It's a passing phase.

George Barclay: Of course it is.

Donna Barclay: Mom, you just put ketchup on your cake.

Mary Barclay: Oh, well, so I did.

Donna Barclay: Mom, if you eat that, I'm going to throw up.

Mary Barclay: Oh, come on, Donna. It's not like I put a lot of ketchup on it. Pass the pickles, will you, George?

George Barclay: Jimmy?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, Dad?

George Barclay: I was wondering where you disappeared to. Lawrence and his mom are here.

Jimmy Barclay: I'll come back in a minute.

George Barclay: Okay if I join you? Nice night, huh?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah.

George Barclay: So, what you doing? Just stargazing?

Jimmy Barclay: Kind of. I'm thinking about what I want to do with my life.

George Barclay: Oh. Well, just so you're not thinking about anything serious.

Jimmy Barclay: You see, we're having a career day at school tomorrow and I'm supposed to meet with a counselor to talk about my future. I figure I should have a clue about what I want to do.

George Barclay: Shouldn't we have talked about this before the night before career day?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, I guess so. First I figured it was one of those take an aptitude test days, but I found out today that we're actually meeting with a counselor. It's a bigger deal than I thought.

George Barclay: I see. Any ideas?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, sort of. I'm not sure. You know what comes back to me? The one thing I'm really jazzed about? I want to be a paramedic.

George Barclay: A paramedic, huh?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, I want to ride in an ambulance and rescue people in emergencies. Keep them alive so they can get to the hospital.

George Barclay: But why a paramedic in particular?

Jimmy Barclay: I don't know. Because I want to help.

Lawrence: Hi, guys. What are you doing?

George Barclay: Hi, Lawrence. We're just talking about what we want to be when we grow up.

Lawrence: Really? You mean you haven't figured it out yet, Mr. Barclay?

George Barclay: No. How about you?

Lawrence: I think I want to work for the National Security Agency and go on covert missions around the world. Or maybe the FBI. Or I could become a double agent for both. What do you want to do, Jimmy?

Jimmy Barclay: I want to be a paramedic.

Lawrence: No kidding! That's great. A paramedic. Boy, I never would have thought of it. But that's a great thing to be. Lawrence, you don't know what a paramedic is, do you?

Lawrence: Well, no, but if that's what you want to be, I'm all for it.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks, Lawrence. I hope the school counselor feels the same way.

Miss Clare: I think wanting to be a paramedic is a very noble desire, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks.

Miss Clare: What I'll do is input the information into the computer and we'll work out a profile on how you match up with your profession.

Jimmy Barclay: A profile?

Miss Clare: We'll match your academic standing with what it takes to be a paramedic, and then sort out what you'll need to do in future classes to achieve that goal.

Jimmy Barclay: Sounds complicated.

Miss Clare: Not really. The computer does all the work. Meanwhile, I'll take you and some of the other students who've shown an interest in this area on a field trip to the fire station.

Jimmy Barclay: The fire station?

Miss Clare: Paramedics in this county respond to emergencies out of there. We'll go to talk to Steve Isaacs. He's in charge of that station.

Jimmy Barclay: Are we going to just talk or will we have to do something else?

Miss Clare: He might informally test you on what you know about first aid, that sort of thing. But nothing to worry about. I'll make the arrangements to get you out of your classes if you're serious about doing this.

Jimmy Barclay: Yes, ma'am. I'm serious.

Lawrence's Mom: All right, Lawrence, I'm leaving for the open house at the school.

Lawrence: Okay, Mom.

Lawrence's Mom: Did you finish your homework?

Lawrence: Yeah.

Lawrence's Mom: All of it?

Lawrence: I still have some left in science.

Lawrence's Mom: Then turn off the TV and finish it.

Lawrence: I will as soon as this is over. Lawrence, you weren't supposed to watch any TV until you finished your homework. Turn it off now.

Lawrence: Mom!

Lawrence's Mom: Now.

Lawrence: It's not fair.

Lawrence's Mom: You're right. If things were fair, I'd make you study extra hard on your science. That's the one you're doing so poorly in.

Lawrence: But everybody does bad in science. It's so boring.

Lawrence's Mom: It isn't so boring if you think of yourself as a world-famous spy who's trying to sneak formulas out of enemy countries.

Lawrence: Sorry, Mom, I already tried that. World-famous spies only have to know how to get the formulas out, not why E equals MC squared. It's a waste of time. School's a waste of time.

Lawrence's Mom: A waste of time? So you think what I do as a teacher is a waste of time?

Lawrence: That's not what I meant, Mom.

Lawrence's Mom: Upstairs and finish your homework. I'll look it over when I get home. See you.

Lawrence: Mom!

Lawrence's Mom: I'll be back in a couple of hours.

Lawrence: But what if I need help?

Lawrence's Mom: I'll help you when I get back. Bye! Or maybe Jimmy can help me.

Jimmy Barclay: Place your cheek in here close to the victim's mouth and nose. Look for the chest to rise and fall as you listen and feel for breathing. Do this for about five seconds.

Lawrence: Jimmy, why are you playing with a doll?

Jimmy Barclay: It's so I can learn how to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR. Then pinch the victim's nose with the hand that was on the victim's forehead.

Lawrence: I don't get it. Why are you doing this?

Jimmy Barclay: To impress the paramedics at the fire station tomorrow. Open your mouth wide and take a deep breath. Got it. Seal your mouth around the victim's mouth and blow with four quick but full breaths.

Lawrence: This is really gross.

Jimmy Barclay: Then go home! I have work to do.

Lawrence: I can't go home. I need you to help me with my science homework.

Jimmy Barclay: Science? Are you kidding? You know I'm terrible at science. It's so boring.

Lawrence: That's what I said! Why don't you come over and talk to my mom? She won't believe me.

Jimmy Barclay: I don't have time, Lawrence. Besides, your mom's a teacher. I don't think she'll believe me either.

Lawrence: She might. You're going to be a world-famous paramedic and you aren't very good at school.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks.

Lawrence: In fact, lots of people don't even finish school and become millionaires.

Jimmy Barclay: Lots of people don't become millionaires, too. Let's see. Check the carotid artery pulse.

Lawrence: But look at you! You're learning what you need to learn right here in your room. It's not like you need school to do it. It's a waste of time.

Jimmy Barclay: Look, Lawrence, you don't have to convince me that school's a waste of time. But really, I don't have time to talk about what a waste of time school is.

Lawrence: You're right. Let's do something else.

Jimmy Barclay: Good suggestion. Give me a wrist.

Lawrence: What?

Jimmy Barclay: I want to check your pulse.

Lawrence: Okay. Then what?

Jimmy Barclay: After I check your pulse, I'm going to give you a cardiac massage.

Lawrence: A what?

Miss Clare: All right, everyone, let's listen close. This is a rare opportunity for you to meet firsthand with a paramedic trainer. Mr. Steve Isaacs has been a paramedic for 17 years. I'm grateful to him for agreeing to talk to you, not only as a group, but individually, after he gives us a tour of the station. Thank you, Mr. Isaacs. We're all yours.

Steve Isaacs: Thank you, Miss Clare. And I want to thank all of you for coming. As a paramedic training coordinator, I'm in charge of seeing that our new recruits are fully qualified as paramedics and that our current paramedics stay qualified.

So if you think being a paramedic is just knowing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and riding around in an ambulance, then you're wrong. It's hard work. You'll get an idea just how hard as we tour our facilities and you see the kinds of responsibilities our paramedics have.

David: Thanks for coming, David. Yes, thank you, David. Don't forget the package of information as you go. Yes, ma'am.

Miss Clare: Next on the list is Jimmy Barclay. Jimmy?

Jimmy Barclay: Yes, Miss Clare?

Miss Clare: Sit down. Steve Isaacs, Jimmy Barclay.

Steve Isaacs: Nice to meet you, Jimmy. How long have you wanted to be a paramedic?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, to be honest, I've only been thinking about it recently. I mean, I always wanted to be a fireman when I was a little kid, but lately I've wanted to help people, sick people, sick people in emergencies.

Steve Isaacs: I see. Well, that's a good start, I suppose.

Miss Clare: I brought Jimmy's file.

Jimmy Barclay: My file?

Miss Clare: The profile I told you I'd make. It considers the requirements to become a paramedic, then compares it against your overall school performance and what you'll need to work on in the future.

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, that.

Steve Isaacs: Let's have a look. Oh yes, here you are. You may want to note the second column. Hm, I see. Well, Jimmy, from the looks of this report, you'll have your work cut out for you.

Jimmy Barclay: What do you mean?

Steve Isaacs: Your average grades in math and science leave a lot to be desired.

Jimmy Barclay: Oh yeah. Well, math is math and science is sort of science. They're not real high on my top 10, you know.

Steve Isaacs: They're going to have to be if you want to become a paramedic. Really? Let's say you need to know what someone's pulse is. The average pulse rate is 60 to 80 beats a minute, but you don't have a minute to count all the beats. What do you do? Quickly!

Jimmy Barclay: Multiply? Or wait, divide?

Steve Isaacs: If your patient weighs 120 pounds and you know there are 2.2 pounds per kilogram, how many kilograms does your patient weigh?

Jimmy Barclay: Whoa, wait.

Steve Isaacs: What causes hypotension in a patient?

Jimmy Barclay: Hypo what?

Steve Isaacs: Second-degree burns are not as serious as third-degree burns, but your patient will be in greater pain with second-degree burns. Why?

Jimmy Barclay: Actually, nothing. I don't know.

Steve Isaacs: These are math and science questions, the answers being critical to saving a person's life. Right. I don't want to discourage you from trying to be a paramedic, but you need to understand how important your education is now to what you want to do later.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah.

Steve Isaacs: Of course, that's true whether you want to be a paramedic, an architect, or anything.

Miss Clare: Do you have any questions for Mr. Isaacs, Jimmy?

Jimmy Barclay: No, I think he covered everything.

Miss Clare: Then I think we're finished.

Jimmy Barclay: I sure am.

George Barclay: Pass the applesauce, will you, Donna?

Donna Barclay: Sure, Dad.

George Barclay: Thanks. So, how did everyone's day go? Mary?

Mary Barclay: Well, I felt a little sick this afternoon, but it's been a good day. Does anyone want more broccoli and cheese?

George Barclay: No thanks.

Mary Barclay: Okay, I'll have the rest then. Pass me that bowl of caramel popcorn, Jimmy, please.

Jimmy Barclay: Oh, Ma, not on your broccoli and cheese.

Mary Barclay: Don't be silly, they go with my mashed potatoes.

Donna Barclay: How was your meeting at the seminary, Dad?

George Barclay: Good. Mostly it was just a lot of sitting around while the various deans explained what their departments do. I got a complete listing of some of the classes I'll be taking: hermeneutics, eschatology, biblical criticism, New Testament history, analysis. I'm telling you, my head was spinning. Jimmy, you went to the fire station today, didn't you?

Donna Barclay: Oh, that's right. Did you get a ride in the ambulance?

Jimmy Barclay: It was no big deal.

George Barclay: No big deal? It seemed like a big deal last night when you tried CPR on everyone in the house.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, well, never mind.

George Barclay: So, didn't go well, huh? What happened?

Jimmy Barclay: Nothing! Except Mr. Paramedic just blew me out of the water, that's all.

George Barclay: How did he do that?

Jimmy Barclay: By going over my math and science grades, that's how. I felt like an idiot. I mean, how was I supposed to know math and science really are important?

Mary Barclay: We've been telling you that for years, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, but you're parents and you're supposed to say things like that. I think I better come up with something else to do. Maybe I'll run off with the circus and become a lion tamer.

Donna Barclay: You'd probably have to get good grades in zoology.

Jimmy Barclay: Well, then I'll become a pilot.

Donna Barclay: Engineering, physics, aeronautics.

Jimmy Barclay: A bus driver!

Donna Barclay: Mechanics, math, civil law.

Jimmy Barclay: Well, then I'll become a politician!

Donna Barclay: Hmm, you got me there.

Jimmy Barclay: May I be excused?

George Barclay: Sure, if you want.

Jimmy Barclay: Thanks.

Donna Barclay: Boy, I didn't know he wanted to be a paramedic that bad.

George Barclay: I'm not sure he did.

Donna Barclay: Then what's his problem?

George Barclay: I think he got hit with a cold dose of reality.

Mary Barclay: George, will you pass me Jimmy's plate? There's no sense in letting that food go to waste.

George Barclay: Only if you promise not to put chocolate syrup all over it.

Jimmy Barclay: Mom! Where's my gym uniform? I need it for tomorrow.

Mary Barclay: In the dryer!

Jimmy Barclay: Oh. Let's see. Oh, I wish she wouldn't put those perfume dryer sheets in with my uniform. The guys look at me funny. Still damp.

George Barclay: Jimmy?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, Dad?

George Barclay: Are you in the middle of something or do you have a minute to talk?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, I was just waiting for my gym uniform so I can get ready for school tomorrow.

George Barclay: I want to talk to you about what happened today.

Jimmy Barclay: It's okay, Dad. I just won't be a paramedic, that's all. No big deal.

George Barclay: But it is a big deal. Even if you really decide not to be a paramedic, I want to talk about what happened, how you felt after you left the firehouse.

Jimmy Barclay: I told you how I felt. I felt like an idiot. I felt like a little kid who said he wanted to be a policeman because he wanted to drive fast with the siren on. That's how I felt. Pulse rates, kilograms, second, third-degree burns. I mean, I know we talked about that stuff in math and science, but I didn't know I'd really have to know it. I thought they just taught us that stuff to keep their jobs.

George Barclay: Well, now that you understand what it takes, I just hate to see you give up.

Jimmy Barclay: But I don't like math and science, Dad. I never did.

George Barclay: I know, but that's where what you like and what you need to do go their separate ways. That's where your personal discipline has to kick in. It's hard work, though.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, I know. But what if I don't feel like having personal discipline?

George Barclay: Well, then you're going to have to have discipline over your feelings. Look, son, I'm starting back to school for the first time in years and I'm sweating bullets.

Jimmy Barclay: You are?

George Barclay: Sure. And do you think I care about things like hermeneutics and eschatology and first-century Greek? I'm like anybody. I want to know just enough to make me dangerous. But that won't work at seminary. One way or another, I'm going to have to discipline myself to learn and to understand. I won't feel like it a lot of the time, but I'll have to do it.

Jimmy Barclay: No kidding.

George Barclay: Do you know why I'll do it?

Jimmy Barclay: Because you don't have a choice?

George Barclay: Well, that, and because I want to be the best minister I can possibly be. I can't afford to lose this opportunity to learn, and the discipline I'll need to master things I don't really care about will help me, not only as a student, but as a person. It'll take a lot of hard work, but I'm willing to do it. Oh, my gym uniform. Does it smell girlish to you?

George Barclay: No, it smells like a dryer sheet.

Jimmy Barclay: Smells girlish to me. It's okay, Dad. I know what you're saying and you're right. I should have taken school more seriously. Or I mean, I should take it more seriously, even math and science.

George Barclay: Good for you.

Jimmy Barclay: It's funny. I feel like I just broke one of the cardinal rules of parenting.

George Barclay: Which one?

Jimmy Barclay: The one that says thou shalt not admit disliking school. Doesn't make me much of a role model.

George Barclay: But it makes you honest. Thanks, Dad.

George Barclay: You're welcome.

Jimmy Barclay: You know, speaking of role models, I think there's somebody I need to be honest with.

Lawrence's Mom: Lawrence, I'm not telling you again. If you don't go upstairs and get your homework done, I'm going to sell the TV set and anything else in the house that distracts you.

Lawrence: Mom!

Lawrence's Mom: And then I'll punish you.

Lawrence: But I don't like science, Mom. In fact, I hate science. I'd rather have splinters pushed under my fingernails and South African killer bees cover my whole body than do any more science homework.

Lawrence's Mom: That can be arranged. I'll get it. No, you won't. I'll get it. Oh, hello, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barclay: Sorry to stop by so late. Is Lawrence here?

Lawrence: Jimmy, just in the nick of time.

Lawrence's Mom: In the nick of time to help me get you to do your homework.

Lawrence: Tell her what we talked about, Jimmy. Tell her what you said last night.

Jimmy Barclay: Well...

Lawrence's Mom: Jimmy, is there something you have to tell me?

Lawrence: Yeah, Jimmy, tell her what a waste of time math and science is and how we don't need it to be rich and famous and successful. Go ahead.

Jimmy Barclay: Well, there is something I need to say about math and science, that's true.

Lawrence: Yes! Yes! Yes, yes!

Jimmy Barclay: I was wrong, Lawrence.

Lawrence: What?

Jimmy Barclay: I was wrong. I came over to tell you that I was wrong about school and math and science and all the subjects we don't think are important. They are. Even if we don't like them much, the discipline of learning them is something we need to have. Or something like that. You have to ask my dad. He says it better than I do.

Lawrence: I don't believe it. You sold out!

Jimmy Barclay: I didn't sell out. Look, I was wrong. And not only was I wrong, but now I have to work twice as hard to make up for lost time. I'd hate to see that happen to you.

Lawrence: Oh man, I'm depressed.

Lawrence's Mom: Thank you, Jimmy. I'm proud of you.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, well, it's going to be a real pain, but I'll do it.

Lawrence: But what about me? You were my only ally, my comrade in arms, my...

Jimmy Barclay: New tutor?

Lawrence: Huh?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, I was thinking about it and I figure since I've got so much catching up to do and I'm older, I can help you while I learn it myself. What do you think?

Lawrence: You're going to teach me math and science?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, yeah, if it's okay with your mom.

Lawrence's Mom: It'd be an answered prayer.

Jimmy Barclay: Okay, cool. And I thought maybe we should start tonight.

Lawrence: Tonight?

Jimmy Barclay: Sure.

Lawrence: Okay. But first we have to wipe out the nest of Destructo agents waiting to sabotage us in my room.

Jimmy Barclay: No, Lawrence. First, we get our homework done.

Lawrence: Oh, all right. Let's go.

Chris: I know that sometimes it's hard to enjoy school. Whether you're learning in a public school or an academy or at home, you may wonder why it's important to solve math or science problems or understand grammar or even remember historical dates.

But as we saw with Jimmy today, learning as much as you can while you're in school is good, not only because the discipline of learning can make you a better person, but because it'll open up your choices for the future. And most important of all, learning will help you serve God in more ways than you can imagine.

I'm sure you have a lot of other good reasons for learning, and I'd love to read them. Just put them in a letter and send it to: Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to: Box 9800, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4G3. And don't forget to ask how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called "Making the Grade."

That address again is: Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. "Making the Grade" was written and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Mark Drury and our executive producer is Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.