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Seeing the Potential
When
we see the potential in another, when we believe that person can
accomplish great things, a life is changed forever. Here is an example:
The first week I
taught kindergarten in our new community, I was stunned at how little the
children knew. Many did not know their own names and answered only to
nicknames like “Pookey, Flower, or Sister.” Most children had never been
in a classroom setting and many did not have paper, pencils, or a book in
their home. So I kept my expectations low and addressed only the basics of
the curriculum.
In October, the school held a talent show and we attended the event. When
a sixth grader began demonstrating his talent to the song Achey Breaky
Heart, by Billy Ray Cyrus, my students came alive. To my shock, in
concert with the rest of the assembly, my 27 five-year-olds stomped their
feet on the bleachers and sang – all 211 memorized words.
Suddenly, I saw their potential and knew that they were capable of great
things. They were full of ability and when we got back to our classroom,
I told them so. From that moment on, I expected great things from them.
I set lofty goals. They met them. I challenged their analytical skills.
They problem-solved with proficiency. I raised the standards higher and
they met me at the top. The rest of the year we celebrated their
potential, their growth, and their remarkable achievements.
_____________________
I share this story as a reminder to us all that what
we see is not always accurate. Our perception
of who a person is can often be skewed by our own vision,
or lack thereof. We expect little, so we see little. But
when we expect great things, when we truly believe in another, we will see
remarkable achievement. So let us set our sights high by believing in
limitless potential and endless abilities. Let us see what God sees.
For with God all things are possible.
Matthew, Chapter 19: Verse 26
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