Longest Days

Update:  Post from April that I kept in draft...good reflection as I write today's post, preparing for tomorrow.

No one tells you the mental exhaustion that comes with leadership.  Literal exhaustion.  That is why it is extremely important to maintain balance. It's a daily struggle for many of us in our busy lives.  Family, faith, work, physical, emotional....all the balances that come with the day.  Then there are the little reminders that bring us perspective.

Troubles of the mind can play tricks on your physical being.  Then, the physical stresses you feel when putting in your 100% eventually catch up to you, no matter what your profession.  So where do you turn when you reach your point?  In education, we are all there right now.  Less than 40 days of school left, standardized testing, observations, end of year assessments, crisis behaviors, family gatherings; the list goes on and on.  So how are you keeping your balance?

I turn to music, daily devotionals, blogging, and most importantly quiet time with my family.  This weekend, I was sent several reminders to turn on the rational button and examine what's important.  The first, a conversation with a close friend.  No matter what ailments stress brings us, we must always remember someone else has a more troubling situation.  Even on your darkest day there is a praise.  Then, a song.  While spending time with the family we were enjoying the good tunes of John Mellencamp and Darius Ruker.  Then this song played and reminded me of the struggles dad endured with no complaining.

Longest Days Live at CMT Crossroads


For many of you, that will be a flashback from the 80s.  This was my first time hearing this song and it undoubtedly reminded me of many friends and family.  The fight is real when it comes to life.  Every day is a fresh start with new opportunities.  What  we make of it depends on our attitude.  Do we allow faith to guide us or do we fight peace and try to make the way our way?

This week, go out and be a change agent.  Many people around you are struggling with more than you will ever know.  Take time to listen.  Be a friend, a support, a ray of light for those that are in the dark.  Holy week provides many opportunities for self reflection and perspective.

How do you do that in leadership?

Model the change you wish to see in your team.  There are always excuses to turn to: put those aside.  Look at the heart of the problem and tackle it with a group of strong players.  Continue to empower those that are making the shift and trust their professionalism.  Allow them to lead others and give them the praise they deserve.  Reflect together and really listen.

Their longest days are sitting at the table.

We must treat each other with the tenderness and love that we deeply desire to feel.  We must turn that over to our students.  Every student is a different story with circumstances we may or may not know.  We must be the ray of light while they are with us.  It sounds good in writing but what does it look like?  What are you doing to be a difference in our world?  Simply saying I teach doesn't describe the impact and importance you are to a child.

I've had several long days this year.  You have had several long days....let's get the balance back and keep focus on His plan.

Just Love....