Difficulty is not an excuse…

Difficulty is the excuse history never accepts. ~Edward R. Murrow

Lately, I have heard a lot of excuses for a decision and almost as often the lack of a decision. As I have talked with the individuals and groups about the issue it has often boiled down to the fact the issue or decision they are wrestling with is difficult. My job has been to – in a very kind way – remind them that most things worth doing are difficult, particularly the first time you do it.

Yesterday, the Foundation for Saline Area Schools presented the District with a check for $70,000 to support our efforts around literacy. It could not have come at a better time for us, however, in some ways it could have been raised at a more difficult time for the Foundation. It would have been very easy to dismiss the $70,000 goal that was presented last August as too difficult to attain given the tough economic conditions. It could have been too difficult due the political environment, limited volunteers, other fundraising efforts, limited awareness, and any other number of excuses related to the level of difficulty. They chose to do something different, they chose to accept the challenge and by overcoming the difficulties involved – our students will benefit for a lifetime.

Making a difference is often difficult. But it reminds me of the quote from Edward R. Murrow “Difficulty is the excuse history never accepts.” Historians can look back at the Foundation and know – difficulty was not an excuse they were willing to accept.

Thank you to the Foundation for Saline Area Schools and all of the staff and community members that helped make their goal a reality.