The Power of One
As I write this, I am in Washington DC as a guest of our client and partner Chick-fil-A at their annual conference.
The event kicked off last night, with about 3600 of their team members in attendance. It was a powerful opening, with music by Israel Houghton and a great message by Bill Hybels. Bill is the Sr. Pastor of Willow Creek Church in Chicago, and he founded the Leadership Summit which impacts thousands of leaders every year from around the world.
What struck me last night was the theme. I’m not sure whether Israel and Bill had synched up prior to that night, but their message was clear.
Each of us can be used to forever impact the life of one person.
Bill’s message was much broader, but this one point really hit home for me. Israel sang many songs, but the song that really resonated with me was entitled “The Power of One.”
By selflessly investing in one person who has a real need, we can change the trajectory of their life. That person can be a family member, a team member, a customer, a neighbor, or a stranger. They might have a physical need, a financial need, a relational need, or a spiritual need.
We have the ability to stop the busyness of our lives and to come alongside them for their good. So many times we are just too busy to see the need. But if we slow down and look around, we will see opportunities to be true difference makers. We can give of ourselves for the benefit of others.
Now, I know many of you are already doing this, and doing it in abundance. You are making a difference, and lives are already being changed. Keep it up.
As for the rest of us, my question is “Who?”
Who in your life today needs what you have to give? Do they need the phone call, the lunch, the note, the check, the hug, the listening ear? Look for them. They are all around you.
What we have been teaching our kids is true: it really is better to give than to receive. You may be just one person, but you have within you the ability to share something that could forever change someone’s life.
The Power of One,
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Tags: Chick-fil-A Seminar, Coaching, Giving, Making a Difference, Music, Presence
Today at my high school I was sort of sad because sometimes I work so hard only to be let down time and time again. My classes are bigger, the administraiton is focused on nothing but test scores, and the kids are so distracted that keeping their attention for 50 minutes is no picnic. Not to mention the endless hours of correcting papers. But then I snapped out of my little self-pity party and thought about the many great students who have come through my classrooms and the lives I’ve had the honor of being involved with. I realized that my classroom is my place, it’s my opportunity.
ps. At my house we are always blown away by the polite employees of Chick-fil-A.
Best,
Greg Gutierrez
Zen and the Art of Surfing
You got it right Greg, your classroom is your stage. It is where you get to use your passion and gifts to make a huge difference in the lives of many. Dont ever get discouraged. You have no idea how todays conversations and teachings with kids will impact tomorrows adults.
Stay in the battle,
Daniel