The Need to Change Pace...

As summer approaches I am keenly aware of the need to change my pace in order to gain proper perspective.  We are fortunate in education to have been afforded this opportunity!  I find that I need about 3-4 days away from the workplace to really see it for what it is.  Each summer, I attempt to step back, change my pace, and gain a more broad perspective.  Reading texts that have nothing to do with my job (and some that do), traveling out of town, being spontaneous, and attempting to do something I normally don't do.  I realize I still have to work hard to get ready for the next school year to ensure it's even better than the last, but I have much better ideas and energy when I gain a broader perspective.

That's when I see things I may not have seen when I am deep into the grind of work.

Lily Tenacio Parron

To see her is to really respect her.  She was born without the abilities many of us take for granted.  Yet, she lives deeper than I do.  Expressive beyond measure with a joy and resilience that humbles the most vibrant liver of life, Lily Tenacio Parron continues to teach us.  I don't know why, but being with Lily creates an awareness that life is inherently good.  She continues to teach me that my life, which I sometimes see as challenging, is really a piece of cake full of joy and opportunity.  I can hear Lily telling me, "even when it's bad it's good" Kevin.

Thanks Lily!  Can't wait to see you soon.

  http://www.lilyswellness.org/home/

Willing To Be The Fool....

I have come to a realization that some of the best teachers I've ever had I would describe as "crazy."  They were often unpredictable, quirky, funny, goofy, yet constantly found ways to engage us.  As I become more mature (older), I can see that this was all part of their master plan to maximize learning.  In fact, I did the exact same thing as a teacher.  I really appreciate the fact that these educators were willing to "play the fool" in order to enhance our learning experience.  I recently ran into one of my former teachers and had to ask him about all the strange things he used to do in class.  We laughed about some of his outfits, sayings, and unique habits.  But, the final thing he said really made me think when I asked him why he did all those things.  His response was hilarious.  "Sometimes you students were so boring and dull that I had to do things to entertain myself or I'd go nuts."

The Witness On the Balcony of Room 306

What a blessing it was to spend time with Dr. Rev. Billy Kyles.  I have had the good fortune to meet some incredible people in my life, but no one I've met had the aura surrounding himself that Billy Kyles has.  This "aura" is best described as a humble sense of self and one's place in history.   Dr. Kyles is one of those few people that when you compare his life's work to yours, you feel humbled and insignificant.  Yet, he won't allow you to feel that way about yourself.  On the contrary, he builds you up to be something better than you ever been. 

Many know that the Rev. Kyles was standing next to Dr. Martin Luther King on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in April of 1968 when Dr. King was assassinated.  In fact, Dr. King was on the way to Kyles' home for dinner that same evening.   But, there's so much more to the man than that.

Rev. Kyles mesmerized our student body and staff with his story and challenge of keeping "your dream" alive.  The response of the student body was one of awe, respect, and a surprising yet appropriate urge to be near, and even touch Dr. Kyles.  I will cherish forever this personal time I spent with Rev. Dr.Samuel Billy Kyles. 

Timmy Tebow And The Joy of Proving People Wrong

After reading the autobiography of this unique athlete before this NFL season ever began, I had the feeling that if Tim Tebow was ever given a chance to play, he'd surely make the most of it.  After leading the Broncos to a playoff victory and perhaps the most surprising turnaround team of the season, Tim Tebow has proven himself again...yet he still has doubters. 

The funny thing is, Tim Tebow loves doubters.  He thrives on proving people wrong.  After all, he's done it since birth.  While pregnant with Tim, his mother Pam Tebow (while living in the Philippines) contracted a horrible sickness in the latter stages of her pregnancy.  Doctors advised her that she should terminate the pregnancy not only to save her own life, but for the fact they thought the baby would be born so disfigured and weak he'd have what they termed, "A miserable existence."

Pam was determined that she'd have a healthy child and against all medical odds --she did.  Her son Timmy Tebow began life by quieting the doubters and continues to do it today.   Not only does he do it with class and a refreshingly giving spirit, he does so while keeping his job in perspective and giving thanks where it is due.

Sunday Night Syndrome

After a fabulous 3-day weekend away from the stresses of work, I found myself having the "Sunday Night Syndrome" this past Monday, the evening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.  I was determined to avoid the syndrome, but still it came.  Then, I noticed my children also succumbing to the syndrome.  "Dad, I don't want to go to school tomorrow.  Why do we have to go so many days?" they asked.  I wondered if other parents and students were going through the same thing.

The question arises, "Why do we get that foreboding feeling every Sunday night?"  Is it the change of pace?  Is it the relaxed atmosphere we create on weekends that is so hard for us to let go?  Is it the fact we can begin to decompress and release our weekly stressors? Is it the fact that we feel a loss of freedom when our work week starts?

I am sure all of those play a role.  Regardless of the reason, I think the end goal is to enjoy our jobs so much that we become oblivious to the Sunday Night Syndrome and it ceases to exist in our lives.   The phrase, "making it work" comes to mind in this situation.  One of the greatest skills anyone can have is to make the most of their life situations and find the joy in the most seemingly mundane things.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

When you think deeply about the birth of Jesus, it creates an even greater sense of awe, respect and wonder at the events of that very day.  The arduous journey to Bethlehem, the inability to find room at the inn, the fact the King of Kings was born in the humblest of settings (in a manger surrounded by livestock in a nondescript town not known for anything special at the time.)  The shepherds, appropriately, were some of the first at the scene.  We know that "shepherding" was a very modest way to make a living in those days.  It is inspiring and incredibly motivating to know the Savior was not born on a throne in some exalted castle away from the people he was to serve.  No, instead, he was born in the meekest of all locations, amidst the "common folk."  What greater way to show his humanity and love for us all?  The profound design of the most minute details of this story are not lost on me as I reflect on the simple splendor of this day.  I cannot imagine a better way for  Jesus Christ to enter into our human story.