There is a movie that I am sure you have heard of called the Dead Poet’s Society. This video clip is from that film. In this 1:32 second clip there is a question that is raised by the teacher to the pupil that I think we should ask ourselves every day we wake up: “The powerful play [of life] goes on and you may contribute a verse; what will your verse be?”
What will your verse be? What an incredible question with a weight on my heart like no other. I spend a majority of my time reading, writing, learning, and growing all in an effort to help a student understand, grow, and succeed in their lives. There are so many different ways this question has been asked in so many different conversations but the question, regardless of how it is asked is one of the most important questions to answer in life. What will your verse be?
I will keep this short and sweet, but I have written before about a dude named Peter from the Bible. This week we told the story to the youth about this particular dude and his chance to do what no one else besides Jesus did; walk on water. I acknowledge that everyone who reads this may not believe in the Bible or that this story actually happened so for your sake (certainly not mine cause I believe it actually happened) let us pretend that this was just a metaphorical story. Jesus (an actual historical figure mentioned in many historical documents) walks out to the boat after spending some alone time with God. The disciples of Jesus (who were actual people who history confirms lived and followed Jesus) were in the boat and scared Jesus might be a ghost. Peter yells out to Jesus that if it is really him, tell him to walk on the water. Jesus says, “Come”. The other disciples then watch as something incredible happens. Peter gets out of the boat, and walked on water.
Peter passionately and zealously followed Jesus. And in this moment, Peter’s verse was being written in the script of life and history. Peter decided his verse would be that he followed Jesus wherever He went. Even the metaphorical power of this story brings to light the same opportunities for us.
We only get one shot at life. We get one shot at living a life that matters. There are not second chances once we clock out. So here is the question that I think we all need to ask ourselves: What will my verse be? The only one who holds the power to change what is written about you is you.
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Food for thought: What will your verse be? Will you walk on water or be in the boat watching it all happen? Do not miss your chance to walk on water.
leadershape 