Chronicles of a fatally flawed human's efforts to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in our world.
I spent Saturday morning at school painting classrooms. Lately, I have been a bit discouraged about the physical appearance of our facilities and the unspoken message that dingy walls, stained carpet, institutional like classrooms, and dated buildings send to our students and parents. Over time, things wear out, students spill things, ink pens break, and … Continue reading Fresh Paint: A Resilience Metaphor
About a week ago, on a hot afternoon in Arizona, I stopped at a convenience store near work for a bottle of water and a soda. As I was walking in, I noticed a young lady leaning against one of the store's cinder block columns. There was something vaguely familiar about her. I searched my … Continue reading Eyes Wide Open
Disclaimer: as with all posts on my blog, the views expressed in this post represent my personal opinion and are not intended to be associated with my employer. This was posted with my daughter's permission. My daughter is an immigrant. Perhaps not in the "legal" sense, but by Google's definition she would qualify. She was born … Continue reading Have We Forgotten that We Belong to One Another?
I am almost done with school for the year — just a few more days of wrap-up and administrative meetings. In an effort to refresh (and prepare for a new school year), I am going to take a purposeful break. A sabbatical, so to speak. In the spirit of my 10 Things posts, here is … Continue reading My 30 Day Sabbatical
Today, my parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Not only am I very proud of their devotion to one another, I am incredibly thankful for their parenting and support. I am blessed. This week, I finished my nineteenth year in education, and my seventh as a principal. In that time, I have seen the … Continue reading Standing in the Gap
There is too much time in my day and I don't have enough to do. ...said no one above the age of fourteen. Ever. For most of us, packed schedules and long to-do lists make every day an exercise in determining opportunity costs. If I choose to do activity "y", what will be the impact … Continue reading The “Things That Matter Most” Protocol
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa On Friday evening I was on a connecting flight (with my daughter and wife) from Chicago to Wichita, Kansas. We were all engaged in our own activities -- sleeping, reading, listening to music -- when my daughter, who … Continue reading I Am Not In Control
