Good morning Garden Spot!

As I worked on finishing my basement this weekend, a job I have been working on for the past year, I was reminded of the need to enjoy the time we have with those most important to us. My kids continued to bug me to spend time with them, and as I met their requests with a plee to wait I was reminded that there are few things more important than nurturing relationships with those around us. It is so easy to get wrapped up in things that don’t matter. The basement will get done… even if it takes another year… but my kids will come to know where I place them on my priority list by how I spend my time.

There are always things to do in life, and if we are not careful those things will dominate our days. Take the time to set those things aside once and awhile to strengthen relationships that you have let falter… instead of always being on the go, spend some time this week with your parents. Tell them that they matter to you by spending some time with them, doing what they like to do. You will be amazed at the response you get if you take the initiative to set aside some time to do this.

Reminders:

Grades will be pulled on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 for placements during the upcoming cycle of iSpartan from February 19 through March 4. Please be sure that you are using your time wisely, seeking help when needed, and making up work that is missed due absences in a timely manner.
Only you can control your actions, and only you are responsible for your choices. Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect, and how you respond to things that are out of your control will ultimately determine your happiness and contentment with life. Behave how you know you should, and do what you know you should be doing. This is the best path to personal fulfillment in life.

Teacher Spotlight:

This week’s spotlight is on two individuals many of you may not know. They spend a lot of time behind the scenes fighting to provide opportunities for all of our students. They approach their jobs with passion, and with a desire to improve the condition of every student that they serve. Their hearts are set on making a difference, and they bring that with them every day in their attitude and effort. If you know Mrs. Jordan or Mr. Robbins, you certainly understand the truth in these words. Take a moment to thank them this week… if you do not know them, thank whoever you thought of as you read this spotlight.

Personal Challenge:

Most of life is showing up… people that find a way to make sure they show up no matter their mood, even if they have an reasonable excuse to not do wo, tend to find life to be much easier than not showing up at all. Not showing up at all, or showing up sporadically, makes doing well at anything more difficult. Lots of people have learned the importance of showing up, and they do that well. The remainder of life is going beyond just showing up… it is the part that others see in people that cause them to consider that person a meaningful leader. The piece that will allow you to be a meaningful leader is to not just show up, but to bring with you a passion for everything that you show up for.

Patience Fishing
Image courtesy of Flickr

I heard the phrase ‘patient endurance’ somewhere over the past few months. Patient endurance is realizing that things that are good for us are often not easy, and that working hard toward a long-term goal is what allows us to have pride in a job well done when we have completed the task. That not only applies to school, but also to playing a musical instrument, playing a sport, and ultimately to everything that you will do for the remainder of your life. Doing things well often takes a dedication to working at them for an extended period of time. Decide to have patient endurance, knowing that patient endurance is what produces the highest likelihood that you will find success in the future. Decide to not just show up, but to also show up with a passion for whatever you are doing. That passion is what will keep you going, and it is what will help you to succeed. It makes it easier to keep going when things are tough, and to realize that the work you are completing will yield amazing results if you bring passion every time you show up.

My challenge to you is to approach everything you do with passion, and to patiently endure until you see the fruits of your labor recognized as success. If you live your life in this way, others will notice, and others will want to follow you because you have that ‘thing’ that those who just show up do not have. Inspire others to greatness by calling yourself to more than most expect out of themselves.

Have a great week, Spot!

Mr. Cox

Assistant Principal
Garden Spot High School

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