Believe it or not, there are certain times of day when I do get the opportunity to spend time in thought.  For a performing introvert who is an Enneagram Type 5, such time is critical in retaining one’s sanity (afternoon naps notwithstanding).  Most of that opportunity at school is greeting our car riders each morning.  While it’s only thirty minutes each day, it’s pretty much just me, our SRO, a hello or a wave from inside a classroom, the occasional visitor with a question, and our kids.   

While I have my reasons for being in that consistent place at that consistent time every day, one stands out to me more than any other.  As hundreds of kids stream by each day, each with their own personality, experiences, family background, interests, and their whole lives ahead of them, I wonder…

Who am I here for?

If my purpose is to positively impact only one student during my time here, who might that student be?  The first one at the door each morning or the last one in after the bell?  The one dropped off by an adult without a word or a glance or the one that still gives Mom or Dad a hug and a kiss?  One tumbling out of the cul-de-sac carpool laughing and giggling or the younger sibling discarded by a high school driver trying not to be late?  The kid with a cheery “good morning” or the ones who go out of their way to avoid speaking and making eye contact? 

The honest answer is that I don’t know.  And most likely won’t ever know.  No matter who it is, I hope they remember that their principal greeted them by name each and every morning, whether they can remember my name or not.  On their best or worst days, when it was the coldest or hottest, whether we were testing or not, game days and regular school days, and regardless of whatever it was that happened yesterday.  The worst thing I could do is to make the mistake of not casting my net wide enough and not being that person for that kid. 

Who are you here for?