You never really know what you are capable of until you take a leap of faith and try to do it on your own…
More than two years ago, Skip & Jerry Mudge took me under their wings, guiding, advising and inviting me to share ‘Brian’s Story’ as part of their “Choices” program. After many years of volunteering time and expertise to benefit thousands of teens in our community, they decided to semi-retire at the end of last year.
So for the last two days, I’ve endeavored to fill their mighty big shoes…
I presented the “Choices” program by myself to six different health classes at an area high school yesterday and today.
It wasn’t completely smooth or seamless; I had a few technical difficulties with my new laptop and the changing out of video clips. In my nervous state, I’m certain I failed to mention every single point I wanted to make and I even ran out of time with the very last class (although it was because they asked a lot of questions, which was a good thing).
It wasn’t perfect, but based on student responses, I believe the presentations made them think, which was the whole point…
I learned a few things too, such as how exhausting it is to be ‘on’, talking for over five hours straight on consecutive days; I also realized how challenging it is to manage a time allotment, a computer/audio-visual equipment and multiple handouts while simultaneously speaking, asking/answering questions and trying to keep the kids engaged, all on your own.
I’m pleased to say when Brian’s phone turned on by itself during my first talk this morning, it didn’t faze me… Neither did Grace’s video stopping before it was finished during the second class… I rolled right on, never missed a beat either time… I figured it was B stopping by to say hello…
Despite my throat aching and being too tired to sleep, I’m glad I made the effort. Having the chance to remind nearly two hundred teenagers “the choices you make can either take your life or save it” was more than worth the price…
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecc. 9:10
Wishing you sunshine and hope…tg
Tammy will update her blog on Mondays and Thursdays
