Crazy Horse

The Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota stands 563 feet tall, which is taller than the Washington Monument. The Crazy Horse Monument is nine times larger than Mt. Rushmore. Nine times.  Korczak Ziolowski was commissioned to design and make this monument.  He accepted the commission although the project would take 100 years to build and he knew that he would not live long enough to see its completion. Think about that for a moment -  he would never see its completion, yet he willingly accepted the task. This is unlike Noah, who took at least 100 years to build the ark except that he was able to not only see the finished project, but was a passenger in it.  It was built with a 30:5:3 ratio – still used today!  Why did Korczak Ziolowski accept this undertaking with the understanding that he would not see it completed?  Here is what he said in reference to that thought, “When your life is over, the world will ask one question – did you do what you were supposed to do?”  With that guiding thought, he worked and worked and worked on the monument beginning in 1948.  Korczak Ziolowski passed away in 1982.  All ten of his children are completing the project.

Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing?  It’s not about one school year. It’s about making a lifetime for someone else knowing full well that you may never see their entire lifetime.  You may never see your students do remarkable things because of what you taught them.  Others may have to finish the job that you started.  The kindergarten teacher had something to do with the academic development of the current senior.  The kids you are teaching today may go on to be famous scientists, engineers, doctors, teachers, business leaders, or an endless list of other wonderful professions.  You may never hear about that.  That’s not the important part.  What is important is this – even though you may never see the “completion” of your students, are you willing to accept the task of building them much like a shapeless mountain is turned into a stunning work of art?  Before that ask yourself, “Is this what I am supposed to be doing?”  If so, accept the task and continue to build the monument that may define your life.  Are you willing to accept the task?