You are influencing others every day, whether you realize it or not. Some of the most important people you influence are children. Your children and students see and hear everything you do, and it shapes their outlook on the world. What influence are you spreading to the youth of today?
Consider this true story:
Charles Adams was the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain during the Lincoln Administration. He always kept a journal and taught his son, Brooks, to keep a daily journal as well.
When Brooks Adams was eight years old, he wrote in his diary: “Went fishing with my father, the most glorious day of my life.” During the next 40 years, Brooks referred to that day in his diary many times. He commented on the influence that day had on his life.
Charles Adams also wrote a note in his diary regarding that same day. It read: “Went fishing with my son, a day wasted.”
Parenting and teaching are the most influential of all callings. Everyone—regardless of the profession—has been taught by parents and teachers. Don’t you still remember something your parent(s) and teacher(s) said that had an influence on you?
While working on my master’s in business administration, one day as I was walking to the parking lot with my professor, Dr. Voorhees, he asked, “You’re going to work on a doctorate, aren’t you?”
That thought had never crossed my mind, but his comment prompted a change in my life.
We can never know the full influence we have on others—especially the young.
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Live Without Stress
Teaching, parenting, and simply living can be stressful at times. That’s why I wrote my newest book Live Without Stress: How to Enjoy the Journey. If you’re looking for stress management advice, check it out. The book is available as a print book (Buy one and get a second copy free to give as a gift), as an eBook, and as an audio book at PiperPress.com.
