Making your Mark: Blue Streaks

This evening I read a devotional about a young boy that received a bike for his 10th birthday.  It was a blue dirt bike with a banana seat and bright blue tires.  This young boy became the envy of the neighborhood with his awesome new bike.  All of the other boys could leave black streaks across the sidewalk, but this young boy could leave his mark with thick blue streaks.  The point of this story is that we all have opportunities to leave our mark on the people we come in contact with.  This past week I have been reminded of how important it is to make a mark on our children.  We must provide guidance, love, discipline, freedom to grow, and support.  We must also leave a positive mark on every relationship that we encounter on a daily basis.  For me this is impacting students and athletes that are growing and maturing into young adults.  Wow!  What an opportunity that I have to influence.  Also what a challenge!  This past weekend I ran into a former student that is now a coach and teacher.  Our conversation about life, family, and coaching showed me that I had left a mark on his life.  This is a very rewarding feeling.  Having these experiences reminds me that I have a huge responsibility to influence in a positive way everyday.  I hope that you are able to leave a positive mark on your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and all those you come in contact.  Our marks may not be as visible and short lived as the blue streaks of a bicycle, but they may have an impact of a lifetime!