I have been out of school for a few days. It was
unexpected. Some say that it was the Lord's way of telling me I needed to slow
down. Perhaps, they are right. I haven't done much in the past few days but lay
in bed or on the couch, watch my fill of movies and nap. I've also had time to
think, and to reflect.
I may have watched the
movie "Love Actually" a few times, well, more than a few truthfully.
It's my weakness, and I'm happy to admit it. One of my absolute favorite parts
of the movie is the monologue at the beginning of the film. Well done, Richard
Curtis, Hugh Grant and those unsuspecting travelers and loved ones! This very
poignant beginning of the film highlights the one very important truth,
"love actually is, all around."
The question is, do we take the time to recognize it, in all its myriad of forms on a daily basis? Over the course of the day, where do you see evidence of love? Agape is described throughout the New Testament as the fatherly love of God for us, and our reciprocal love for God. The term also extends to the love that we share for one another. Some of my favorite verses come from 1 Corinthians. Dust off your bible, and turn to 1 Corinthians and you will find much to do about love. Here are but two:
Love never fails;
but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away;
If there are tongues, they will cease;
If there is knowledge, it will be done away.
1 Corinthians 13:8
Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
If you are wondering what on earth this has to do with education and leadership, I beg your indulgence. I believe there is a direct correlation. At our most basic level, we desire to be known by another. If we make the time in our classrooms, in our schools, in our districts to know one another, to love one another, the power of that love will be great. It will allow us to do more, and to be more than we dared to dream of.
In a world that is in constant pursuit of the best, the brightest, the most glowing achievements, we often take for granted the most powerful ingredient of all - love. Without it, I argue there is less opportunity for innovation and creativity to take hold; there is far less risk-taking and sharing of ideas. What I propose then, is this - we slow down. Take the time, indeed make the time to build relationships, to care, to nurture, to really love one another, and see where it takes us. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will take us farther than we dared to imagine.
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you.
And be gracious to you,
The Lord lift up His countenance,
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
