Value of Personal Responsibility in 2014

Each student was handed a gift envelope in show of our appreciation for their work and commitment to the Youth Advisory Board.   The fact that it was a “money” envelope I assumed indicated “Value”. However, as we left the restaurant, not one… but four (4) envelopes were left on the table.  As I picked up the unopened envelopes my first reaction was aggravation and the overwhelming feeling of the lack of appreciation. These are high school students for heaven sakes. What was more shocking was the fact that only one of the four actually came back for the envelope/gift.

Was it that these students didn’t “need” or want the money?  No, I know these kids.   So what would cause them to simply walk away and leave money on the table?

After having watched these students for the past four years, I realized I had failed them by not allowing them to take personal responsibility. You see, I picked up the envelopes and told each one they had indeed left the envelope and then “re-gifted them.” What did that teach them?  Something they already knew…someone else would take care of them.

However, for many of these students 2014 brings a whole new chapter in life.  Many will leave for college, begin careers and some have even plains to join the military and personal responsibility will take on a whole new meaning.

They say precious life’s lessons can only be learned the hard way…let’s just hope they don’t leave too much on the table.

Little Messes

Blog:

Our office recently had the privilege of a visit from the local school children. These sweet little faces gleamed as they sang Christmas carols to the staff, parents and those that simply stopped to enjoy.  As the students were singing, I noticed a teacher leading a sweet little girl by the hand outside and in tow was a sweet little boy. I watched as the teacher smiled and said to the little boy, you want to come too?  With that the little fellow nodded his head. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, just a moment of compassion between a teacher and her students.

As the students left, I also noticed a colleague of mine carrying a mop. Again, nothing was said, just a smile.    However, it was sometime later that I learned what had brought each of them to that moment when their lives took on a deeper appreciation.  You see the sweet little kindergarten girl had a bit of a mishap, the little boy felt compassion, the kind teacher not wanting to draw attention lead both outside, and the coworker saw a need and did what had to be done.  The beauty of it all was that very few even realized what had happened.  Most just smiled and enjoyed the music.

And so it is with life.  Many just sit back, smile and enjoy the music while some, simply do what has to be done to make a difference.  It also reminded me that none of us can succeed without the ones in our lives that help us “clean up our little messes” and for that I am so thankful and feel very blessed.

 

Merry Christmas!