Words That Free You

In yesterday's leadership moment I mentioned that I had gone to Simpson College right out of high school as a music major. Why? Because I had been told I should and I had a scholarship to do so.

What I learned very quickly was that my heart and soul were not into it once I started. What had been a great time and experience in high school suddenly became a job. It's a lesson I share with high school students who say they want to participate in athletics, music or other activities as they make their college plans.

I remember standing in the kitchen with my mom and dad as I prepared to leave on a Sunday afternoon to return to college. I don't remember every sentence of the conversation but I remember how it ended. It ended with my mom saying "Todd, you don't have to go back if you don't want to."

Immediately, I felt a great weight lifted off of me. For over two years this had been the path I was told I should be on. I loved music, and I still do, but at the end of the day I learned that the dream and the path you may be on has to be a path that you choose to allow you contentment and joy.

The six weeks I spent at Simpson were not wasted. It let me discover what I didn't want to do. That's not a negative reflection or a knock on any of the fine teachers and mentors who encouraged me to go. I am grateful for their continued support throughout my adult life.

No experience is ever wasted if we can look back and see where it has led us. What may seem and be hard in the moment will only serve to make us stronger for the life long journey that we are on.

The words my mom spoke to me that Sunday in our kitchen freed me from the path I had been on and put me on another path. As you read yesterday that path was a little crooked for awhile but it was the road I had to travel.

Those words were probably not easy for my mom and dad to say either but when you care for and love someone you may need to say words that ease a heavy burden and help to set them free. I'm grateful my parents said those words to me. They were simple, powerful and set me free.

Made For This Moment is a collection of writings for living day to day on the journey that we are all on. Todd Gordon is the Director of Activities at Greene County Community Schools in Jefferson, IA. He has been in education for 36 years serving as a teacher, coach, and an administrator.

He has been married to his wife Deb for over 37 years and they have three married children and five grandchildren.

Todd wants to help you on your journey any way that he can because he believes that we are all better when we go through life together and with teammates.

You find him on Twitter and Instagram at @toddagordon.