#LightTheWorld Day 20 – Jesus Saw Potential
The world saw fishermen; Jesus Christ saw Apostles. As we try to see the people around us the way Christ sees them, we can help them understand their potential.
Reaching one’s potential is something I am personally very passionate about. In fact, a lesson I learned in the seventh grade about potential is what pushed me into higher education.
I recall being in my Language Arts class and delivering an assigned speech that I invested minimal effort into preparing, after which my teacher looked me in the eyes and asked, “Do you know what reaching your potential means?”
I responded to the question the best way I could, using basketball and sports analogies to explain the definition of the word potential. My teacher then proceeded, “Reaching your potential means you have reached beyond your limits and become the very best you can be. Hayden, you are smart and funny and have the potential to be or do anything you want. But you have some explaining to do.”
I grew increasingly embarrassed and uncomfortable as my teacher, with whom I had a great relationship, continued to lecture me in front of the class. “Why did you cheat yourself by goofing off? Since you obviously didn’t learn anything from this assignment, I hope you learn a lesson about wasted potential.”
The lesson my seventh-grade teacher taught me in that moment continues to influence my life in many ways, not only demonstrating the lasting influence of an educator in the lives his or her of students, but also the importance of reaching one’s potential.
- Today, I took Avery Sue to work with me and got to read books and play in my office with her as I prepared a few things for next semester.
- Summer also took Avery under her wing and let Avery help her bake and make dinner tonight.
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Hayden Coombs 