Someone once defined mentoring as intentionally investing your best into the lives of others.  Every time I read those words, I think about all the people who have invested in me…..who gave of themselves freely for MY benefit.  Whatever I  can do today, whatever I can give, has been made possible because of the foundation they have given me.  I am humbled and grateful for their willingness to inspire me and teach me life-changing principles.

I wish I had taken the time to adequately thank them.  I wish I would have recognized at the time just how meaningful they were to my growth.  I can’t go back and do that now, since I have lost track of many of them (or some of them are no longer with us).  But there IS something I can do to let them know I learned a valuable lesson from them: As a leader, I have a responsibility to intentionally invest my best into the lives of others.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to take the time to acknowledge those who have invested in you for YOUR benefit.  If like me, you are not in a position to speak to them personally, the greatest gift you can give them is to pay it forward.  What am I saying?  As band directors you are already investing your best in the lives of your students.  And if you are lucky, some day when you least expect it, they will give you the thank you that you so richly deserve.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Culture Strategist/Coach

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education