What about the Murals?

I was working with a class upstairs a short while ago testing the relationship of support stress points and distribution of mass.  At one point, I found myself staring directly at the mural of the Luther boys going off to fight in the Civil War or as some say in the South, “The war of Northern Agression”.  By the way, the murals that we have here were hand painted by one of the greatest men I know, Marion “The Professor” Kellum.  The Luther boys fought bravely for the North. In fact, John Luther was the person who served as an adjutant to Col. John Wheeler and was the one to carry his lifeless body off of the battlefield in Gettysburgh.  The Luther boys are no longer here. Their families are, but not the ones who paved the way.  One day, we will not be here.  One day, my good buddy “The Professor” will not be here. One day, I will not be here…that came close to reality in 2009.  One day, someone will tear this building down.  No one really thinks of that when it is built, but nothing lasts forever.  Our school replaced a high school that was torn down.  In time, our school will be torn down and replaced with God knows what. The people depicted in the murals paved the way for many to follow - The Luther’s, the Weiss Family, John Wheeler, and yes, Marion Kellum someday. They left a legacy.

What about you?  Someday, you will leave this school.  That could be five years from now.  It could be 10, 15, or 20 years from now…maybe more. It could also be 5 months, 10 days, or 20 minutes from now.  Nothing lasts forever, including us.  What mark do you want to leave?  What will you do now that will cause people to notice a difference?  What memories are you making for your students?  Have you taught them what is essential?  Have you shown them how to act through your actions?  Have you provided the example that you intended to?  Know that each day brings yet another chance to make a difference in someone else’s life.  That’s what it really is about. Who are you paving the way for and what will they say about you?  The question comes down to this:  what is your legacy going to look like?  Is doesn’t matter if that legacy to leave only has a few minutes left or many years left.  It is what you are doing today to make a difference in the life of someone else.  How will these kids remember you?  It may be what you do in the next five minutes.  Do not discount the difference you can make.  Realize that every decision you make, everything you say, and every action you take will contribute to your legacy.  If a mural was painted about you, what would it look like?

Next week, you have an opportunity to share in students reaching their goals.  Each student has an individual goal for the big test.  Each team has set a team goal for the big test.  The school has set a goal for the big test.  This is an opportunity to do something together, to see the fruits of our labor together, to revel in reaching goals together.  Spend this time before to encourage your kids.  Spend this time inspiring them.  Spend time telling them that you believe in them.  Spend time telling them that it is now time for them to show what they have learned!  It is time to make their teacher proud! It is now time to bring it!