Some of the greatest memories I
have come from my childhood during this time of year. I can remember watching out my window on
Christmas Eve night hoping to get a glimpse of Santa. I remember lying in bed and trying ever so
hard to sleep with one eye open. Take a
guess on how that went for me. I usually
made it to the point where anxiety would sit in, as I laid worrying if he was
ever going to come.
I was completely inspired by the
possibility that someone was going to come down my chimney with a sack full of
toys. My beliefs that Santa existed
created a number of wonderful memories that I will never forget. Belief (much like most of you I’m sure) has been the foundation for my life.
We go through life, living many
beliefs. Our country was formed on a
fundamental belief of freedom. Belief is
all around us. It motivates us in every
aspect of our existence. The belief in
the possibilities of tomorrow have allowed me to walk with my head high and full of
confidence today.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “To
believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.” What would our purpose be without the power
of belief? We are all in a position to
instill belief in others. As and
educator, I try to exercise this each and every day. Can you name someone in your life that
believed in you when you were younger?
If we don’t foster belief in every child we are doing a disservice to
our existence.
The greatest resource the world
offers is the human being. What are we
doing to protect this resource? What are
we doing to ensure we are getting the most out of every person? Do we encourage others? Do we inspire others? Do we lend an ear or a hand? Albert Einstein probably said it the best
when he said, “the mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.”
Whether it is believing in Santa or
believing in a child or ourselves; the power of belief drives us. We must believe that we can improve the world
around us. This must start with believing in each other. I can remember
many times during my life that my beliefs began to fade. In these moments, a number special people
came into my life and gave me a renewed sense of hope. Can you relate? We must be dream drivers, and not dream
killers.
We have 25 days until Christmas and
I challenge each and every one of you to give the gift of “belief” to somebody
new for the next 25 days. If you are in
the field of education – find a different child everyday and let them know that
they matter. Tell them that they can
change the world. Maybe you have a
colleague that could use a lift. Take a
moment and let them know they matter.
The beauty of this challenge is that it costs nothing to give, and in
the end could prove itself…priceless.
The caption below is my two
boys. The boy on the right (Tayten - 6) is
making a Bronco’s sign for Sunday Night Football. He believes that someday he will be a QB in
the NFL, and he is patiently waiting for Santa’s arrival in 25 days. The boy on the left (Jeter - 4) is drawing a
picture for his little sister. He is
also patiently awaiting Santa’s arrival.
He will be the one sleeping with one eye open consumed with
anxiety. He believes that he will
someday become a farmer and help his Grandpa.
Travis Jordan
Superintendent
Twitter: @Supt_Jordan
Great blog Travis. I accept your challenge.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and your family!