ife’s lessons seem endless. With my own impending retirement from the work I love in urban education, I have been consumed with reconnecting with my true north. In God’s infinite wisdom, He arranges for people, places, and things to intersect our path and positively or negatively impact what happens next. Those critical next steps could mean the difference in a life well-spent or a life of regrets. From the cradle to the grave, wise choices and good decisions will matter. Making the decision to be true to ourselves and embrace who we are is a vital contribution to a satisfying journey. Personally, I hope that I have taken caution to be true to who I am; to disallow anyone to define me or impose on me who they think I should be. I hope I haven’t gotten caught up in the hype of temporary titles or inflated egos birthed by perceived authority and a false sense of security. I pray that I will always consider the relevance of the human spirit and the importance of treating others with respect. When we have sufficiently learned the lessons taught through our experiences along the way, we can rest assured that we are destined to live a well-spent life.  

     I had the privilege of attending six high school graduations in Springfield to celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2010. The ceremonies were abundant with heart-warming, passionate speeches spoken by key adults and student representatives. As a writer and lover of words, I listened intently to the messages sent forth. Mostly everybody applauded the hard work of the graduates, the support of their families, and the guidance of teachers and caring adults. Bottom line, we heard the compelling thoughts of how hard work and perseverance can yield meaningful rewards. The diploma is a symbol of that hard work and every graduate was proud to receive one. For me, the real message, whether stated or implied, highlighted the vision of lives destined to be well spent. Graduates and the audience were encouraged to rethink possibilities, find their true north, and seize every opportunity to appreciate our individuality. 

     I know that we are wonderfully made. I know that we are here on purpose. I believe that every encounter has its own meaning in our destinies. I remain fascinated by the amazing events of life. Independence Day signifies freedom; but it’s a condition that we should never take for granted or under appreciate. Whether we are teachers or learners, we should cherish the chance to live freely from a past into a future where we can become all that we were meant to be—-destined to live a life well-spent. n