3 Points to Ponder
- “We forgot it doesn’t take the majority to change a culture. For Jesus, it took 11. But, it does take sold-out, waving the white flag of a surrendered life in pursuit of the grander vision type of people. Do you have the right people around you, even if it is a few?”
- “Before you ever start on your grander vision, define what a win looks like in your eyes. The more clarity you have around this, the better chance to actually hit that target, as well as attract others to the vision. Even if your current outcomes are small, how clear are you on that vision?”
- “Stewarding those first moments in the journey is ultra-critical to success. Just like a plant can easily be stomped out when first sprouting, so can a vision. Take great care in those early stages, as the outcomes are very fragile. And early outcomes lay the blocks for what you can build upon in the future.”
2 Quotes to Share
“Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.” -Simon Sinek
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” -Plato
1 Story of Impact
In September 2016, the Yellow Iron Preschool of Light was opened in the small rural community of Sylvain, Haiti. Twenty-one students were in that first class, with names like Elinise, Maykenley, Odelince, and Ruth-Nadia. Their teacher was Juna Jean, who had come from another school, trusting in the promise of this school, but not knowing if this promise would become reality (watch Juna Jean talk about the School of Light here). This week, those same children start third grade, with the prayed-for-promises revealing a glimpse of a new reality for these children and families. Last week, we captured an interview with School of Light Principal Micul Pierre and I was moved by his witness to the transformation. He stated, “The school has made a big impact in the community. I remember before I was going to move to this zone I had a friend who asked me, ‘Why do you want to live there, Micul? That zone doesn’t have a quality school. If you live there, where will you send your kids?’ Last year the same friend asked me, ‘Hey, friend, I have a little boy I want to put in your school. Do you know anyone who wants to sell some land so I can move to your zone?’” Twenty-one kids isn’t a lot, nor is just two teachers. But, they paved the way for another twenty-one and two more teachers. Then another group. Today, there are 100 children in the School of Light with 15 educators. Over the next five years, that number will more than double. Many times, we get caught up in the big stories, pumped to us through various media channels. But some of the most awe-inspiring moments are the little ones right in front of you. Don’t overlook the micro-wins that lay your foundation for the future, as they are the base of what you will build upon as you grow (for better or for worse). Where are the micro-wins in your life to build upon for the future you envision?
