The Power of “One” - A Letter to ALL My Children

Dear Children (and Those I Call My Own):

A year from now, a new phase of your life will be over, and one more will be ready to begin. I have seen you mature and develop over the last few years. I have seen you struggle, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and continue the journey. I have seen you cry and say goodbye to someone you love. I have seen you wonder if all this pain and struggle is worth it. I have a short answer for you: YES! You were designed not just for some heavenly purpose, but for much earthly good.

Never underestimate the power of one. In one year, you will be starting a new journey, so be the one person who shows those around you a picture of strength and perseverance. It might be a family member, a friend, a brother or sister, or a potential student or coworker. Many times I have received messages that said: “You were the one who inspired me” or “You were the one who made me feel like it was OK to be myself” or “You were the one who taught me to love learning and push me toward a path of knowledge” or “You were the one friend that remained when I needed one.” I do not take any of those comments for granted, and neither should you.

Finish your degree. Finish those certifications. Finish that goal of doing something you want to do but never believed you could. Start a new job where you have no idea what you are doing. It’s OK. There is always one more goal to complete, followed by one more, and then another…until there are no more “ones” to be done.

You may not feel like you can affect someone every day, or move them toward greatness, but you will. You may inspire someone across the world that you will never meet, and never know the impact you had on them. This kind of lasting mark takes the faith to know that each hurdle is for a reason. And that reason could be that because you did it, others can follow in your footsteps. Be the one that causes people to stumble into greatness.

No money? Money will come if you keep seeking excellence and never stop learning.

No one to share your life with? Be patient, there is always someone who will love you for who you are.

No end in sight? Be strong, my friend. The end is the just the beginning.

I will be the one standing in the shadows with a smile, whistling and applauding as you to finish the race. Do the same for someone else. Be their one.