In this amazing new year of 2020, many of us are engaging in goal setting, creating resolutions, and even sitting with friends to create vision boards. The year of perfect vision is one that society has deemed as the one that will surely usher us all into greatness. What many of us, however, have neglected to internalize and ask is, “What does it truly mean to be great?”
“Everybody can be great because anyone can serve.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
BE LOVE
As educators, the sheer nature of our work begins with the heart. This, too, is the place where service begins. The more that we all begin to recognize and celebrate diversity, the easier it will become for all mankind to serve each other! Serving others can be hard work, but more importantly, it is HEART WORK! With this in mind, I can’t miss the opportunity to say, ” LOVE EVERYONE, INCLUDING YOURSELF!” Disclaimer, this is one of those things that you can’t fake. We must walk the talk of LOVE.
BE PRESENT
I want to encourage you, as I encourage myself, to begin each day with the posture of seeking to help someone along their way. To do this, we must be in the present! When we are too busy to listen to the cry in other human’s walk or see the need for affirmation in someone’s eyes, we miss the opportunity to serve! A simple smile can help remind someone there is light at end of the tunnel. Wishing a student or parent a great week in passing tomorrow can remind them that they are not alone in this world.
BE RELEVANT
Working with middle schoolers for the last 15 years has taught me so many things about being a grown up! We often try to “solve issues” or brainstorm ways to help others, but we do this sometime without involving the person, the system in the process. I’m saying don’t try to serve others, only, with what YOU THINK they need… Try asking, “How may I help you?” We see the world through our own lens, thus often try to “fix” situations with that one perspective. Getting a more well-rounded view empowers you to be relevant with your service!
This morning, as a team of us began cooking to feed about 300 people in need, we engaged in some interesting dialogue. The topics ranged from trivial things like what’s the latest trends in cosmetics to more profound, like how important it is to walk in purpose. As I walked away after the task was complete, my heart was overjoyed at the opportunity to prepare meals for the homeless. Even moreso, I was reminded that we rise by lifting others through living with a servant’s heart. We only have a certain amount of time on this earth, what matters most is what we do for others!
Until next time, be BOLD, be OPTIMISTIC, be SPONTANEOUS, be SUBSTANTIAL… Be BOSS!