Re: Verse reading–John 13:1-17 (day two) For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. vs. 15
Bus duty is the worst. In my 15 years in education I never met someone who was excited about bus duty. It takes you away from the classroom where you could be meeting with kids, grading, or really anything but bus duty. The mass of humanity that gathers at the beginning and end of every day is maddening, and you can imagine this is where trouble brews. Nobody volunteers for bus duty, nobody.
Larry was a two-time cancer survivor when I worked for him. It would eventually return and lead to his passing, but when I knew him it was a footnote to his journey. Every morning and every evening of every school day Larry would make sure that each bus arrived and departed on time and with every student. He watched over the masses of students who were waiting for their daily ride home. Monitoring them so they made good choices. Larry did this every day in his suit and tie rain or shine, hot or hotter, Larry was unswerving in his commitment.
Larry had other things to do. He was the head principal of the largest high school in the Northside Independent School district. His energies could certainly have been spent in other places. But everyday Larry sent a clear message to his staff. Larry was there to serve. Those duties that we avoided, he was the first to sign up. He demonstrated leadership by his service, and ultimately service by his leadership.
As a result of his sacrifices teachers across the board were willing to go to the mat for Larry or any of his initiatives. He loved students. He loved teachers. We wanted to please him, and in so doing we wanted to serve. I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to work for a man like Larry Martin. He showed me how to serve well.
Larry definitely had a strong sense of duties as head principal. As good leader, he knew he had to lead by doing himself in order to model and encourage others to do the same and to follow his example. A great leader will have followers. A servant leader will have followers. Jesus is a servant leader. Great leaders will earn respect when they lead by doing what they want others to do and by putting the interests of others above self-interests. They lead with passion to make a difference in their surroundings and serve others from their heart. Thank you for sharing a life example. Can we find many servant leaders in the world today? Yes, but maybe rare!
Phuong Le Callaway, PHD, CA