You don’t always know the power of your influence

My peaceful Labor Day was shattered as my child emerged from her bedroom. With the intent to simply relax and have no duties or responsibilities for this one day I had planned on catching up on the latest Netflix series, moving very little, and for all practical purposes blending in until it was my time to light up the barbeque and fulfill my time-honored duty of making the perfect dinner in accordance to Labor Day tradition. As my child walked into the living room, she voiced her desire to go out and do some running to prepare for this week’s cross-country meet. Although content laying on the couch, I was faced with a battle of wills deep within my mind. Do I continue in my present course of action and cement my position on the couch, or do I follow through and escort my daughter while she follows my earlier advice about the importance of remaining committed to a strict training regiment, designed to enhance her abilities athletically?

You guessed it, without hesitation, I rose from my perch and off we went. Now don’t get me wrong, running was not on my agenda this day nor any other in the foreseeable future. Those days have passed and are many years and multiple pounds separated from the good ol’ days and now. My contribution is to sit in an air-conditioned car following my child to ensure her safety while she beats and batters her body in the name of success. This run was not like any other in the recent past. She began by describing that she was pretty sure she was going to tackle the two-mile course and as I outwardly voiced my approval, inwardly I was certain my child had lost her ever loving mind.

The run was relatively uneventful with the occasional vehicle cautiously passing us along the roadway. As Lilli ran, I was impressed at how well she was doing considering the high humidity and to be honest, her lack of tackling the brutal course previously. As we approached the halfway point, which happened to be at the top of a steep incline, Lilli grabbed a quick drink of water and informed me that she had decided she was only going to conquer the mile-and-a-half portion of the course this time out. Agreeing, I shared my excitement about how great she was doing and encouraged her to finish strong. As she began the final stretch of her practice, I saw something interesting.

As Lilli struggled on, I observed a vehicle approaching me from behind. It was evident the vehicle saw my hazard lights as they began slowing down. After a short distance, I watched as the vehicle cautiously began passing me. As the vehicle passed me, adjacent to my child, my super dad senses moved into full action mode. I sat up in my seat, as I watched the rear window begin to lower as it approached my child. Within seconds I saw a petite hand extend outward from the vehicle, displaying a thumbs up. I watched Lilli nod her head as the vehicle passed her by. The interaction seemed to have a motivating effect on Lilli. I watched as she passed up the finish line and continued along the full two-mile course.

Upon finishing, I asked her what the passengers in the white vehicle said to her and she replied that the high school students simply said she was doing great and to finish strong and not to give up. She described how those words encouraged her to continue and to not stop short of her original goal. Upon hearing this, my faith in the human soul was refreshed. So many times, we in the older generation fail to recognize the power and influence our younger people have. This simple expression of community, shown by those students depicted in my mind the power of influence and mentorship.

So many times, we get so caught up in ourselves that we neglect our sense of community and the benefit we can provide for others. In my opinion the simple act, by these young people, of rolling down a window displaying a positive gesture and sharing a few simple words of encouragement to a stranger who happened to be much younger and very impressionable, was the ultimate example of leadership. True leadership results when those in a position of power are concerned little about their selves and more about ensuring that those below them are equipped with the tools necessary to carry on in their absence. These young people truly are leaders and should be proud of their legacy. For to take a moment to cheer on a child creates no harm but rather a potential lifetime of success, commitment, and resilience, all because of your simple act of compassion. Step outside the norm, my friends, and shout out those words of encouragement. You never know who may see or hear your words and the impact your influence will have on their lives.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.