leading through learning

You should meet George. He is incredible. I just met him but I won’t easily forget his story.

Circumstances within his first 25 years of life should have devastated him. He lost his father at a young age and had a childhood with little resources. In 1951, barely into his 20’s, he joined the army and lost his entire family as he knew it - his grandfather, his grandmother, and his mother - all people who supported him, loved him, and encouraged him.

But here is the thing about George, he has a strong spirit. His legacy will last well beyond his lifetime because he chose how to live rather than allowing his circumstances to determine his direction.

George sees the world through the eyes of a teacher. He loves reading and learning. He has taught subjects and he has taught teachers to teach. He has hired and fired. He has made good choices and bad choices in leadership. He has been able to influence both individuals and classrooms with hundreds of students. Think about George’s impact. He has built hundreds of relationships and influenced character growth, job skills, career decisions and the life direction of his students, employees and colleagues.

Years ago, George retired from teaching and leading but he didn’t stop living. He is still a teacher, a leader and a student. Just one conversation with him reveals it. Now in his early 90’s, he hasn’t lost his love of learning or sharing his knowledge and gifts with others.

In George’s words, “1951 was the turning point of my life.” It was in this year, he found a new perspective and realized, “the more you put into anything, the more you get out of it.” .

Teacher, Leader, Student

I’d love to be like George. Wouldn’t you? When we retire, will we still be giving everything we can to make a difference in the life of one or even many? I hope retirement doesn’t change us, but makes us even better at being students of who we are.

Searching for wisdom and asking for grace,

Jody