“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.” (Jackie Robinson)
When I was in middle school, I had a friend named Bill.
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We would go over to each other’s house and play GI Joe or football in the backyard.
We were in a class together that required a partner assignment. Bill and I put a lot of work into that assignment. We thought we had something good. When the grades were given, I got an “A” and Bill got an “F”.
I will always remember the teacher saying “Bill, there is no way that you did the work on this because you rarely come to school, fail most of your classes, and constantly get into trouble and I know that Jamy is a really good student. He had to have done all of the work on this.”
Now fast forward a little more than 5 years later, after spiraling out of control with poor choices, Bill was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
I have no idea what would have happened if he had gotten an “A” as he deserved but I do know with 100% certainty that there was at least one opportunity during his life when a teacher or authority figure had a chance to catch Bill doing something good.
Words matter.
Actions matter.
You never know when you might have a chance to impact someone’s life in a monumental way just with a positive gesture.
How can we add value to those around us today? What can we do to bring out the best in others? Will we encourage others?
What can we do today to create positive moments in people’s lives?
Will we be the reason someone believes in the potential of our community today?
Will we be the reason someone smiles today?
Will we catch people being good today?