How far back into your childhood can you remember…… 6, 4, or even 2 years of age? Now what are some of your earliest memories and who influenced your life? Was it a teacher, family member, friend, church leader or just a stranger who came to your aid? Chances are it may have been a number of the above or some combination of individuals who were involved with influencing your life.
In my life there are six individuals that come to mind. They are;
1. Parents
2. Grandparents
3. 5th Grade teacher
4. Youth director
5. Art teacher
6. Pastor
The lessons learned from these individuals range from manners to major life decision making choices. Invaluable life lessons from people who invested in my future. Thank God these people were around for me.
So who influenced you during your childhood? Who continues to influence you? The bigger question is who are you influencing? Maybe it’s your children, a niece or nephew, a brother or sister, a neighbor or a student of yours. If your answer is, I don’t know here’s a few suggestions for you;
1. Become a big brother or big sister and mentor a needy child (there’s a local chapter in the grass roots phase right here in Henderson, you can get in on the ground floor)
2. Volunteer at your church to teach a class, help with the children or youth ministries.
3. Spend time with a child and read a book, listen to them talk, take them to a park, etc.
4. Become a child advocate and help fight for children’s rights.
5. Volunteer at an after school program and help children in a variety of capacities.
6. Get involved with a local school where’s there’s a variety of opportunities to work one-on-one with children.
The list is endless. The payoff is priceless and the long term effect is life-changing. I can’t think of a better way to leave a legacy!
So who do you look up to?
You make your mother Proud!!?