One Tough Job!

August 11th, 2004 - I was 24 years old.  This was the day my life changed.  This is the day it became real.  This was the day I found out the true meaning of the word love.  This is the day I became a father.

I received an email today from an organization I signed up to get emails from called http://www.fathers.com/.  In the email was a blog quote - this quote gave me my inspiration to write this week's Friday Focus.  Here is the quote:  To a girl, a father is her first love.  To a boy, a father is his first hero.  Here is a link to the blog:  First Hero, First Love

The main point I want to get across in this blog today is simply this:  parenting is a tough job!  :-)  It also is the best job I have ever had.  I feel blessed to be in the profession I am in because it has presented me with the opportunity to not only be around my own kids during the day, but also to have influence on all kids in our school district.  In a John Maxwell book I was reading yesterday he put it this way:  As a leader much is provided, but also much is required in return.  As a parent we are provided with children but also much is required in return.

The last couple of weeks have been a true test of patience for me.  This is in all areas of my life.  What is the key to get through times like this?  A different way of thinking.  When a situation comes up don't think of it as a problem, or a burden, or an issue.....think of it as an opportunity.  An opportunity to guide people, to listen, to discuss, to give advise, to show you care, to place yourself in their shoes.....or as a father - to be her first love and his first hero.

Power

Right now I'm out in Bismarck at a conference. So far it has been great. The theme of the conference is "The power of education".

This morning the keynote speaker, Dr. Adam Saenz, did an excellent job with this topic. His main point was that we as individuals need to make a point to CONNECT with our students each and every day. This got my gears turning. How often do I connect with kids?  Do I make them feel important?  Do our students feel connection outside of school?

I really enjoy the opportunity to engage with students in our small community. I look at bigger school districts and think about the many kids that do not have engagement or connection with a caring adult. Always remember we, or adults, have the power and opportunity to connect with children to change a life....today.