Some Perspective

This extended Labor Day weekend was a GREAT time for me to pound the pavement and increase my running mileage.  These three days away from school afforded me the opportunity to shed some of the pre-Christmas weight I've already put on and help me get over the disappointment I was feeling in myself. While running this weekend I decide to take my route through Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.  It's quietness, herds of deer, and calmness seemed like a good running destination.  It also afforded me a long overdue visit to the graves of my two grandfathers and grandma.  As I paused to catch my breath and pay my respects, I noticed the grave of a young soldier who had lost his life in battle in 2011 at the age of 22.  As I turned I also noticed a young man in a wheel chair praying over a grave and a mother with her small child at another. Perspective!

Often my exercise regime is far less about keeping in shape and far more about clearing my head and aligning my thoughts. In essence, it allows me to regain perspective! During my workout, I reflected on the many gifts that have been bestowed on me and the many reasons that I should be far more grateful. And, I also reflected upon the many times that we as a society are not nearly as grateful for our own blessings. We have allowed our society to value ME over US and MONEY over MORALS. 

Unfortunately, the one place where this thinking should not be commonplace, the education system, has too, fallen under this trend. Too often educators complain about workload issues, work stress, limited budgets and other challenges that we “face!”  I myself at times, get frustrated with managerial aspects of my role, inappropriate actions of staff or students, and unrealistic demands of some parents.  Even with all the challenges we face, it is important to put things into perspective.  Vianney is still recognized as one of the best Catholic high schools in the nation! A 2014-16 National School of Excellence, awarded to the top 5% of Catholic High Schools in the country!  

We receive incredible financial support from our parents and alumni who support our mission!  Our endowment is growing, our facilities improving with the addition of the NEW

$1 million STEM labs and soon to be completed North Athletic Field Complex that will house a NEW all-turfed baseball stadium, with lights, and stadium seating.  A field large enough for soccer & lacrosse to also practice or play games on if they choose.

But, if that is our ONLY perspective, we will always want more! Our perspective cannot focus on the monetary piece of our school or the bricks and mortar that provide our institutional foundation. Our perspective must revolve on the giftedness of each of us and the gift of being in a Catholic, Marianist school. Our perspective must be that we hold the future of children in the palms of our hands each and every day. Our perspective must be that we have the ability to change a world to value “we!” Our perspective must be on knowing that we can make a difference in EVERY young man's life who walks into our room. Our perspective should give us pride in knowing we have highly skilled, innovative, passionate, and dedicated teachers. We have great supports for students. Our technology program is unique to our school and develops students to be critical and creative thinkers in an ever changing world. Our high school is safe and caring and our working conditions are well beyond adequate--they are exceptional! Most importantly, at Vianney we don't just talk about Faith or Family Spirit, we live it and model it! The Living Rosary, the multitude of prayers, making 100's of sandwiches to feed the homeless each Monday, our daily communion services, our retreat programs, our community Masses like this weekend's Grandparents' Mass or the Mother-Son Mass later this fall, and on and on and on.  At Vianney our Faith is lived!

Today we celebrated our Honors Convocation. An opportunity to recognize all that exemplifies Vianney.  Days like today make me proud to be principal as we honor our students for their academic, extracurricular, leadership, and service accomplishments.  The actions of our students model our aim--to develop Men of Character & Accomplishment!

And yet, somewhat poetically it occurred today on September 11th and recants in mind the horrific loss of life that was experienced 14 years ago on our own soil. When I pause to think about Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, the tragedy of 9-11, and the celebration of this morning's Honors Convocation it seems so easy to gain perspective on my own life when I am surrounded by tragedy or celebratory events. During these times, it is quite simple for most of us to recognize that the crosses we bear are far smaller than many others. But what about when those tragedies become only a faint memory? Do we still have the right perspective? What happens when the calendar turns to September 12th or November 15th, or the days just become another day with no Honors Convocation, No lab dedications, or Marianist awards?

In our lives we are surrounded by people who may have sacrificed much, carried burdens for a long time and have suffered silently! If our perspective continues to focus on the “me” we will never recognize those who truly need and deserve our support. If our perspective continues to be on what I don’t have instead of what I do have, we will never be happy.

Today and tomorrow and the tomorrow after that, look at all the blessings we’ve been given not the burdens we face. Welcome the opportunities we’ve been afforded. Seize the gifts of each day because that’s the right perspective!