There is more work to do

If you were to ask me where my actual high school diploma was, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. The same would be true for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Yes, I’ve actually graduated. I even have graduation pictures (somewhere) from each commencement ceremony. It wasn’t until my wife and I got married that any of my awards and plaques could be found on display in my home. Before she wanted to “decorate” the house, dozens of awards and plagues could be found in the trunk of my car, or stuffed in the back of my closet. About six months ago, I almost accidentally threw one of my awards in the garbage. It was in a box, mixed in with old t-shirts.

I am grateful and humbled by each and every honor that I have received over my professional career; every certificate, plaque, award, published essay and magazine feature. It is truly a blessing. I chose not to dwell on or display these things, however, because I realize that there is more work to do.

What I receive means nothing, so long as children and families are living in poverty, educational opportunities aren’t equitable, violence is rampant, and there are marginalized populations of people that span every inch of our country (and world).

As we live and lead with our best self, we must be mindful not to be so consumed by what we’ve done that we lose focus on what we’re doing, today…in the present moment. Don’t worry about making headlines, just make headway.

You may be successful in your own right. However, always remember, there is more work to do.

David McGhee