I was on the plane flying back to Tennessee and as I was thinking about all of this I felt I needed to write down my thoughts as the new school year starts. I grabbed my phone and tried to type out the thoughts that were quickly flowing through my mind.
"We need to teach with urgency. Take time to teach as much as you can every single day. We are dealing with the quality of life of our students. The more we can teach them, the better quality of life they will have and the more they will get to experience in this world. This is not a job that you just go to earn a paycheck. We truly have the ability to impact our students each and every day. Make sure you're doing that."
This isn't a motto that only applies to my classroom and students. This applies to life. Take every opportunity to love on those around you. Teach others about love by being an example of love. Teach forgiveness by forgiving those around you. Be passionate about life and what you're doing in it. We weren't put here to float through life and then go away. Make a difference and start by living the way God called us to live. Trust me. People will see the way your living and the blessings being poured out onto you because of your faithfulness and willingness to follow, not your will, but His.
Sam was this person for so many people. He was their example. He lived life. He laughed every chance he got. He was passionate about so many things, including his family and friends. He loved everyone he possibly could, as much as he possibly could.
Find your Sam in this world. He will change your life.