We've all had many opportunities to encourage and impact others' lives. As parents, educators, families and friends this is what drives many of our thoughts and actions. We look for ways to encourage and enhance other peoples' lives. This is often accomplished through the way we spend our time and making wise decisions on the "little things" in life. I don't know what these are for you, but in my personal life right now having dinner with my young kids and wife is an important little thing. Playing basketball, catch, fishing and going for rides on the farm are other little things in my life that I have to be intentional about. They don't just happen like I always thought they should.
If I'm not careful, I'll go to work, work some more in the evenings, check and respond to email, eat something on the run for dinner and fall into bed exhausted just to get up and do it again the next day. This is what I refer to as "the grind." It's easy and a common thing to get so busy, that the "little things" slide. However, "common" isn't good enough, not for something this important in life.
The same is true for working in school. We have so many students that come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds. We take them as they are, every day into our buildings and classrooms. It's easy to be focused on what has to be done every day; curriculum, standards, lesson plans, conduct, the schedule of the day, the challenge of working with students and "the grind"... If we're not careful, we'll miss out on some of the most important opportunities we have every day to impact lives. I don't know what this means for you professionally. For me, this means getting out of the "Superintendent's Office" and spending time with the students and staff, entering their world in the classroom and on the campuses of our schools. This is an important thing that I don't want to miss out on. It's the most enjoyable and rewarding time for me professionally. It's also a great time to problem solve, provide feedback, direction, gain perspective and understanding as well as build relationships.
I'm proud of the talented students and staff of Ozark School District. I'm proud that we provide student centered learning environments and that we are always working on ways to enrich the culuture of learning inside our schools. I'm proud we have staff members that "play catch" with our students and look for ways to impact their lives. I'm proud that those same staff members have high standards and that they hold students accountable. I'm proud that OSD desires a strong relationship with the families of the students we serve. These things are exciting and at the end of the day, students win in this environment.
I encourage you to be intentional about the things you value the most. Be proactive and guard against "the grind" at home and school. Make wise decisions about the "little things" in life, they're often what matter most. Invest deeply in others' lives. Live the life you are called to live and leave the legacy you were meant to leave.
There is a quote on my desk that says,"Your date book is your creed. What you believe in, you have time for." Truer words were never spoken...
Together We Are STRONG! Go Hillbillies!
