Make a Difference!

"A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell, where their influence stops." Henry B. Adams

It's that time of year again, time for the start of school! As I reflect, I am reminded of one of my favorite childhood memories. Prior to our football or basketball games, our coach would give us a pep talk. Normally these talks were brief but fiery as they were designed to motivate and encourage us. In the same way, as we stand at the dawning of another school year, I want to offer some encouraging words to all school staff.

First remember that we have so much to be thankful for. At this present time, it's a blessing to even have a job. Even more, it's a privilege to have the opportunity to invest in the lives of children. Everyday I am thrilled to impact and influence the lives of students in a positive way.

Secondly, let God direct your paths for He alone knows what lies ahead. One of God's attributes is His Providence. That word can be broken down into two parts; pro (before) and video (to see). In essence, God sees before! That's important because, though we don't know what the future holds, we do know He holds the future and can give us the proper direction for this school year.

Finally, I want to share a clip from one of my favorite speakers in the world, Professor Joe Martin. In this he talks about our responsibility as teachers to unwrap the unique gifts that our children have. I encourage you to take the time to recognize the tremendous gifts that are just waiting to be unleashed. This year, go and make a difference!

Check out the clip below for it will inspire you!
http://www.youtube.com/user/joemartinspeaker#p/u/4/XsuuEbALHa0

PEACE!

What makes you strong?

“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair...” Langston Hughes

Well day three of boot camp is over and it was the bomb! Not only was it physically challenging but it was also mentally stimulating. As I was exercising with arm bands, the instructor told me to lean back to gain more resistance. It was at this time that I had an “Aha moment” for I realized an important truth; it’s the resistance that makes one stronger. As we examine our personal experiences the same holds true for our lives. As a matter of fact, many of the greatest people we know are great not because they were isolated or insulated from pressures, pain or problematic predicaments. Instead, these were the ingredients that have made them who they are! I believe that this is one of the lessons that we can learn from one of my favorite poets, Langston Hughes. In his poem entitled, “Mother to Son”. Hughes uses vivid metaphors to relay a moving message from a mother to her son. A complete copy of the poem can be found below at: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mother-to-son/

As we eavesdrop on this conversation, there is an important lesson for us to learn as well.

The Presence of problems doesn’t have to prevent Personal Progress.
The simplistic statement, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” clearly conveys that life is not always easy. The mother explains that her stairway in life has been filled with tacks, splinters, torn up boards, and bareness. However, instead of allowing hardships to hinder, or hold her hostage she proudly proclaims, “I’se still goin, I’se still climbin.” Like the mother, we can agree that there are seasons in our lives that do not always portray the elegance and extravagance a crystal stairway. However these are the moments when God can instill within us a spirit of determination that allows us to climb to higher and go further than we would have ever initially climbed. Can I show you some examples? Joseph wouldn’t have become Prime Minister of Egypt had he not been thrown in prison. Nehemiah never would have become governor of his hometown had it not been destroyed. Peter never would have walked on water if he hadn’t faced a storm. In addition you wouldn’t have the skills, sagacity and sensitivity that you have now if you had not experienced some setbacks along the way.

In closing I want to share the story of a young man who as a teenager aspired to be an Olympic swimmer. Sadly, one year a hurricane came through his island and destroyed the local swimming pools. It looked as if his dreams had been dashed and deferred. However, someone noticed that his height and asked if he ever thought about playing basketball. It was then that he began to play and now he is one of the greatest NBA players of all-time. Tim Duncan didn’t allow his problems to paralyze him but instead used them to help him make progress. That’s the message for someone today, though problems may be prevalent, remember the marvelous mother’s words, “Keep climbing, and keep going, for life is no crystal stair.”

PEACE!

What do you really want?

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 (NIV)

As I was participating in an early morning boot camp at the fabulous Fitness Connection, the following quote written on their whiteboard arrested my attention. It said, Don’t sacrifice what you want for what you want now. Prior to seeing it, I must admit that my muscles were very fatigued, and part of me wanted to stop, throw in the towel and wave the white flag of surrender. However after reading it, instead of settling for what I wanted at that moment, I was reenergized to instead go after what I really want (bulging biceps and tremendous triceps!) I believe that my experience describes our daily dilemma as we are forced to make many choices. This dynamic of decision-making is sometimes difficult because inherent in all of us is the tendency to choose what is comfortable, convenient or what is conducive to give temporary pleasure. We are constantly bombarded by things that sound good, feel good, tastes good and looks good. In these times, if we are able to follow the example of Bartimaeus, we will be able to make the best decision and make the most of our moment. How does it work?

1. Stay focused on your goal. From the onset Bartimaeus has one thing in mind which is to be able to see. In vs. 51 when Jesus asks him what he wanted, he doesn’t deviate from that desire. He is able to plainly state that his ultimate wish is to be able to see. Have you ever asked yourself, “What do I really want?” What is it that you long for, or will help you get to your destiny? After finding the answer write it down, say it repeatedly and demonstrate the determination to go after it daily.

2. Don’t settle for surface stuff. It’s easy to get sidetracked by surface stuff which may bring us temporary pleasure but not lasting satisfaction. Bartimaeus was a beggar and he could have easily asked for money. However, he understood that after regaining his sight he wouldn’t have to be codependent anymore. Refuse to get detoured or distracted from your destiny. As the Fitness Connection says, “Don’t sacrifice what you want for what you want now.”

I’m glad that I was able to stick with my workout because I know that it will eventually pay off. In the same way, one day you’ll be able to look back and say, “I’m glad I made the right decision.” I believe that’s the meaning of Robert Frost’s poem, The Road not Taken. I leave you with the last stanza of that poem.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

P.S.- If you live in the Shelby County area, and are looking to get in shape, look no further. Join the Fitness Connection and let Shone, Marco and Gaye show you practical ways to improve your fitness. Check them out at: http://www.fitnessconnect.net/

PEACE!