An Unexpected Journey

Hello,

It has been a long time since I wrote my last blog and I am excited to start up again.  I now have switched gears and no longer reflect my blog posts as a school administrator.  The posts will now reflect just me as an individual and focus on topics such as leadership, parenting, relationships, faith, and whatever inspires me to write!  With that being said.....I hope this finds you well and enjoying life and we shall begin!

An unexpected journey.  That is the title of this post.  Several years ago I decided to write a book.  At the time it was more of a hobby.  I'd work on it for 10 minutes here....30 minutes.....miss a couple weeks.....another 15 minutes.....  This went on for several months.  Then at one point I realized my word count was actually fairly high - it wasn't "The Grapes of Wrath" but I felt like the effort I put in was starting to materialize.  Towards the end I made a strong push to actually finish the book and I did!  So now I would like to highlight a few parts of my book for the return of my blog.  I hope you enjoy!

The book focuses around what is called the "Servant Leadership Cycle".  I will go over the 3 components briefly:

1.  "SEE" - as individuals we need to not have tunnel vision in our life.  If we do, we miss so much in the world today.  I am fortunate to have a job that I feel I can have an influence on the lives of those around me.  So when I walk into school each day I seek out (SEE) students/staff each day and get to know them.  What is going on with them?  How are they doing?  How can I help?  Make that effort each day.

2.  "CONNECT" - This ties in with seeking individuals out.  This is understanding that what you see on the outside may not be the same as what is on the inside.  Connect with people daily.  I have always said it is about relationships.  Be that positive influence.  Be the difference maker.  I always call a 2nd grade student in our school "smiles".  Today when she saw me in the hallway she said "hi smiles!".  Does she smile when I call her smiles?  Absolutely.  It's all about relationships.

3.  "LEAD" - To complete the cycle we end with Leadership - or as John Maxwell defines it "influence".  If we can SEE those around us (people hurting, people reaching out, people in need of guidance, etc) and we CONNECT with those around us (show them that we care - that we love them), and sprinkle on top the ability to LEAD these individuals in a way that reflects Jesus - What a difference we can make in this world.

I hope you have the chance to meet Buddy and Carl.

An Uncommon Bond - Amazon

An Uncommon Bond - Goodreads

God Bless,

Jay R. Townsend

Lights Shine Bright

Christian music artist Toby Mac on his newest album has a song called "Light Shine Bright".  Since it is the holiday season I thought this would be a great topic for my Friday Focus Blog. 

The song talks about being a light for other people each and every day.  If you think about it, you have the choice on what type of influence you can make in this world.  We all have influence.  We all have opportunities.

I read a book one time about being bucket fillers.  I love this concept.  Each day when you interact with people look at them and picture how much love they have in their bucket.  The person may be going through a rough time.  The person may be poor.  The person may look fine but on the inside is hurting.  How can you fill their bucket?  A smile.  Show them that you care.  Listen to them when they talk to you.  Compliment them.  Make them a priority.  We all have this opportunity.  We just need to make it happen.  Be a light.

In one of my favorite books by Jon Gordon called "The Carpenter" one of the main characters teaches the theory of doing three things daily.  Love, Serve, Care.  It is as simple as that but a very hard concept.  The rewards from doing that theory is life changing.  Have that mindset each day - love those around you, serve those around you, and care about those around you.  Your actions can change lives.

Be a light.

"Lights shine bright everywhere we go"  Toby Mac

Happy Holidays!!!!