For the Love of It! Michael Maurer, Ed. D. Principal – Haysville Middle School December 8, 2011

Expectations for Session Objective – To explore the unfathomable concept of “it!” through thought provoking reflection. What I Expect From You: – Active, engaged participation. What You Get From Me: – Concepts to provoke your thoughts – A passion for who I am and what I “get” to do everyday. – Insight into the “it” in my life. What I will get from you: – Help in the healing process.

Here’s What I’m Supposed to Do But, that’s not the road I’m going to travel today.

The Riddle of the It! 100 individuals who all start even at the age of 25. Any idea what happens to these men and women by the age of 65 as they pursue the “it” in their life? They all want to be a success, all eager toward life, all have that sparkle in their eye. At age 65 – One will be rich. – Four will be financially independent. – Forty-five will still be working. – And 50 will be broke. Any idea where you are going to fall?

My Pursuit of “It!” GOD simply laughs at mans best laid plans. – Remember the stated expectations? Thought provoking reflection A passion for who I am and what I get to do! Cruisin’ through life! – 1984 Renwick hire (23 years old) – 1986 Haysville hire 1991 – Class 5A State Campus HS – Men’s Baseball – 1993 Return trip – 1996 Third trip Spring 1996 – Masters Program Wichita State May 1999 – Anthony graduates, headed to U. S. Air Force – February 2001, Anthony’s general discharge – Start of a 10 year history with opportunities to overcome

My Pursuit of “It!” (continued) June 2000 – Doctor of Education Program entry - WSU March 9, 2003 – Heart Attack – Dissertation Defense - Promotion March 12, 2003 – A new life with new priorities January Frontenac Superintendency declined Summer Ron Sinclair July Jalmer (Jeff) Felzien August 2007 – Most difficult family decision Joyce and I had ever made – Abby to Wichita Collegiate – 3 rd and 2 nd place class 3A finishes – 2008 & 2009 June Bill Sinclair December Fred Maurer April Jim Payne October Anthony – 26 month prison sentence

Defining Moments Visit with someone at your table about a significant defining moment in your life. So, how did my “it” define how I reacted to these events?

We Become What We Think About! The Fred Factor – Principle #1 – Everyone Makes a Difference. You change the world everyday, whether you intend to or not. The question is, what kind of difference do you make? – Principle #2 – Success is Built on Relationships Indifferent people deliver impersonal service. – Principle #3 – Continually Create Value for Others Do more than is necessary, exceed expectations, while expecting nothing in return (Pay it Forward) – Principle #4 – Reinvent Yourself Regularly Every morning you wake up with a clean slate, and so do those you serve. Uninspired people rarely do inspired work. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

So What is “It” What is “it” that brings you to work everyday? If you could actually determine what “it” is, would you still come to work everyday? – If no, then are you sure you have found “it” So as I conclude, here is a story that my brother Martin shared, helping me better understand “it” – He told my mom and my other brother Mark, “We should have buried dad with a fork in his hand.”

One Final Story – The Fork There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly.. 'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply. 'This is very important,' the young woman continued. 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.' The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked. 'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork..the best is yet to come.'

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled. During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. Being friends with someone is not an opportunity, but a sweet responsibility. And just remember...keep your fork! The BEST is yet to come!