The River

Garth Brooks rise to stardom was meteoric.  He seemed to hit just the right chords (pun intended) with people across many age groups and musical tastes.  He was largely responsible for the surge of “New Country” music being generated on the radio and for the purchase of long-sleeved cowboy shirts and ropers. He opened people up to this style and people came to realize that they too may have “friends in low places”.  He sold millions of albums and packed every concert that he offered.  We saw him in 1992 at whatever they called the venue in Tinley Park at that time and mercy, this guy could put on a show.  This man had more hits than a lounge lizard at a Holiday Inn open mic night. Now, he makes millions doing stints in Vegas where he packs the house routinely.  In my opinion, one of his better songs is called “The River.”  It is a song of inspiration.  It is a song of hope.  It is a song for dreamers.  It is a song for those chasing a vision.  It is a song that implores you to stay the course, to keep fighting the good fight, and to never lose sight of your dreams. 

“You know a dream is like a river; every changing as it flows and the dreamer’s just a vessel that must follow where it goes

Trying to learn from what’s behind you; never knowing what’s in store, makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores.

I will sail my vessel till the river runs dry. Like a bird upon the wind, these waters are my sky.

I’ll never reach my destination if I never try, so I will sail my vessel till the river runs dry.

Too many times we stand aside and let the waters slip away.  We put off till tomorrow, it has now become today.

So don’t you sit along the shoreline and say you’re satisfied.  Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tide”

The vessel in which all of us engage kids is this school.  The momentum that is created is by the people given the charge of making this the most productive and most memorable three years of a kid’s school years.  If you don’t believe that can happen then you’re in the wrong place.  Each day we create another memory for each student. If you are not in the memory creation business then you’re at the wrong place.  We learn from what is behind us from taking a real look at formative data to plan for future success.  Yes, each day may be a battle, but it is a battle that produces satisfaction.  If you do not desire satisfaction from what you do, then you are in the wrong place. The river is the kids.  They just keep coming.  We are a growing school and a growing corporation.  That is to be embraced and not cursed.  Without this river, we don’t get to come here.  What is your destination for your students?  Do they know where you want to take them?  Do they understand your long-term goal that you have posted?  Don’t miss this opportunity in your life and the one chance that you get with these kids.  Don’t let this time slip away.  Don’t wait to bring your best – bring you’re “A-Game” every single day. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo.  Aspire to achieve more and more to take your kids far beyond what is typical. Dare to be different.  Never lose sight of the fact that you get a chance to make a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of kids.  Not many people EVER get that chance.  You do.  Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tide.