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

Home Run

I'm reading a book right now called Home Run and this quote jumped out at me - "The greatest battles we face are not around us, but within us."

The author is talking about Character.  His point is that in order for us to succeed in life we need to first focus on ourselves.  Good character creates an invisible foundation in a person's life which reflect relationships, careers, and a life of significance.  I love the quote by John Wooden "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

In order to have character you need to build a solid foundation from within.  If you let violations of character to chip away by your actions that foundation will eventually collapse or become weak.  This is so important because as individuals we can never live a productive life if we cross that line and put our character at risk.

Some tips to help build a solid foundation of character:

1.  Call a loved one every night.
2.  Talk positively about other people.
3.  Choose close friends carefully.
4.  Live your life as an open book.
5.  Seek a mentor with strong character.

These few tips will help you develop a full life.

Mr. Townsend

Are you loyal?

For my Friday Focus this week I'm going to cheat somewhat and talk about the discussion I had on Wednesday night during my Men's Bible Study.  The topic we had was Loyalty.  The book we are using for the study begins with former head football coach Tom Osborne out of Nebraska.  Coach Osborne supported a former athlete by the name of Lawrence Phillips.  Lawrence Phillips was a running back for the Huskers and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams.  Lawrence had some trouble with the law but during his rough patches, Coach Osborne still supported Lawrence Phillips - he was still loyal to him.  Coach Osborne took a big risk supporting such a public figure.  The relationship between these two individuals was at a level that loyalty and trust was automatic.  Have you had that type of relationship?  Have you been loyal to somebody?  Had faith in them?  Many times in our lives we are going to have situations when we need to make a decision...do we remain loyal and seize the opportunity to help someone or will we turn the other cheek and possibly lose a relationship...So....are you loyal???