Leadership

The Gift of Today – Lesson in Gratefulness Gratefulness = grateful living. This video, featuring Brother David, a highly respected Benedictine monk, is a BLESSING to all those with “eyes to see and ears to hear.” Look, listen and be inspired by this powerful message on grateful living. Are you like me? I find myself feeling so grateful when all is well in my little world, when I’m happy, when my job is going well, when my family is healthy, etc. But, the truth is,  each and every moment is a reason to be grateful. Joy and happiness do not equal gratefulness. Gratefulness brings joy and happiness. “You think this is just another day in your life. it’s not just another day. It’s the one day that is given to you today… It’s the only gift that you have right now. And the only appropriate response is gratefulness.” – Brother David After watching this video, I’m challenged to view every single moment with fresh eyes – eyes wide open to the gift of life. Here are several things I’m going to do to focus on gratefulness this week: Take time to notice my students. Each little child that walks in my room is a story in the making and I have the opportunity to cultivate a love for music that will be a permanent part of their story.  When I wink at them in approval, when I smile at them for trying, when I hug them for being brave…their “story” will be affected.  Some children are easier to love than others.. I’ll admit it! Gratefulness is seeing the uniqueness of each student, seeing the preciousness of each little stinker in God’s eyes, and viewing teaching as a privileged instead of just a job. Take time to bless someone else. What about my peers? Adults have longer stories filled with interesting chapters. Some of their present chapters are being filled with troubles and they need others to help them through the days. If I view my peers as just part of the machine that makes a school, I will miss the opportunity to change their life’s story.   I want to  focus on encouraging my friends, appreciating their talents, and making their weaknesses irrelevant. I must take the time to appreciate each person as a gift. I must take time!! Express gratitude. I need to stop living and breathing as if I am entitled. In my conversations this week, I want to take or steal moments to express appreciation to my peers, my superiors, and those who help me during the day. Expressing genuine gratitude immediately shifts the attention and warms the heart. Even a smile with slightly lingered eye contact will make the air fresher and the steps lighter. Gratefully living ….