Scott

A few weeks ago, I walked into Scott’s classroom. I hadn’t darkened the door of his room in over four years. Way back then, Scott taught a small bible study at one of Denver’s largest churches. And today? He’s still at it. Same Scott. Same church. Same bible.


But I’ve changed a bit. Today, I’m a quiet learner. I’m here to observe, to absorb. It’s amazing what you learn when you’re humble to your core.

I look around.

The class requires a minimum 3 hours of homework per week, so it attracts the sort of people who want to dig deep. I admire my fellow students, the loud and opinionated, the quite and reflective, the one who’s fallen behind. Each wears a mask, as we all do in public. But I don’t imagine their masks are intentionally deceptive. They just are. As masks must be.

Good teachers try to reach around or behind our masks. Scott’s a good teacher. He asks the probing questions. He waits for us to ponder, then formulate, and finally share our responses. He creates an atmosphere of trust and an environment conducive to thinking openly. We open, we share, we learn, we grow.

Here’s to the good teachers among us, those special people who delight in helping us discover our world and our place in it.

On Civic Engagement

Today is Caucus Day in Colorado, and that brings to mind a local campaign last year.

Last fall our community voted on a ballot initiative. The question was, "Should term limits be extended for the Office of County Sheriff?" - not only for the current sheriff, but for all future sheriffs.

I would venture to guess that most folks approve of our current sheriff's job performance. I would also venture to guess that folks who know our sheriff, like our sheriff. He's not perfect, but he's a hard-working, likable guy.

The YES position was: "It's hard to find a great sheriff. Since we've got one, let's keep him awhile." The NO position was: "But we're talking about extending term limits for all future sheriffs, not just this one."

I stood off to the side and watched the process. Throughout the campaign, it seemed both sides looked at the issue with genuine thoughtfulness. It was discussed and debated with honest philosophical arguments. No rancorous mud-slinging or name-calling. And the sheriff, to his credit, remained silent, letting the community weigh the pro's and con's of term limits without making it personal. All in all, it was the best election process I've ever witnessed.

As America heads into another presidential primary season, I want to toast those rare folks who are engaged thoughtfully and intelligently in the political process. You're a breath of fresh air.

Engaging People

It's just another manic Monday
     I wish it was Sunday
          'Cause that's my Funday
               My I don't have to runday
                    It's just another manic Monday ....

Okay, so that's how I started my day.  Sunday was so good. SO GOOD! And then, today.

But wouldn't you know ...

I dutifully went to my sales training class and was suddenly in the presence of 20 or so other folks who also wished they could turn back the clock. But they pulled their hopes & dreams out of their pockets, and contributed to the class.

I love being in class settings with engaged and engaging people. They lift me to a higher plane and suddenly, Monday's an all right place to be.