Sharpies and Silverware

I was organizing my desk drawers at school and came across a few gold sharpies a retiring teacher had given me. The card attached said something like "For a teacher as good as gold." I wish I'd saved that card! 

I've kept those sharpies and every time I use them - or any other gold marker, I think of Mrs. Orlando and her note. While I was (and am!) thankful she thought of me and for the compliment, what these sharpies remind me of is the challenge, or call to rise, that I think was intended with her words. She told me I was good teacher so that I would remember to be a good teacher ... And maybe remember to add a little gold sparkle, too. 

When Robbie and I got married we registered for one set of silverware. Mrs. McIntosh got us two sets and the card attached said something about "You always need extra when your hostessing." .....I hadn't hosted anything of my own yet and her note was, I believe, a challenge ... a call to rise. It was her reminder that she expected I would be having people into my home and helping to continue a community tradition of hospitality.

I don't always live up to the legacy either of these ladies (or the many others that have poured into me) have left,  but I am always thankful for the reminders to strive to be what they thought I could. How lucky I am to have people who expect me to be better than I am - or at least to be the best version of myself? For if ever I doubt, I can draw on their promise that I am capable and that it's all worth the effort.