The Weight of Responsibility: A Reflection on Leadership and Vigilance

In 2001, during a cross-country journey through the US, I found myself in Washington State looking for an interesting interview.  My search brought me to an assisted living center near the base of Mount Saint Helens. My mission was to interview random Americans about their experiences. I had no particular reason to choose this facility. Yet, it turned out to be one of the most impactful moments of my trip.

I shared my goal with the receptionist upon entering. She thought for a moment and then directed me to a man in his early ’80s who was gazing out at the mountains. As I began the interview, I posed a question I often asked, “If you could do anything differently in your life, what would it be?”

This question prompted deep reflection, and I could sense a weight of unspoken pain in his silence. Finally, he opened up, revealing a heart-wrenching story. For decades, he had worked as a lock operator, responsible for managing water flows. On May 18, 1980, however, everything changed.

He described the harrowing moments of the eruption—hearing the boom, feeling the quake, witnessing the smoke. In that critical moment, all he needed to do was open the locks to prevent disaster. But fear overwhelmed him; he ran instead. “I failed,” he said, tears filling his eyes. “I got scared and I ran without hitting the button. Hundreds of people died because I failed to do my job.”

The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air. I sat in silence unsure how to comfort him. He had faced scrutiny, investigations, and accusations, but none of that erased the burden he carried.

The Nature of Responsibility

His story illustrates the sobering nature of responsibility. In leadership, whether in a classroom or any community, we must be vigilant and proactive. We see patterns and potential dangers, and it is our duty to sound the alarm. The worst mistake we can make is to ignore the warning signs.

I feel deeply honored to lead your children and work alongside the dedicated teachers who invest so much into their lives. They not only educate but also nurture and guide. We recognize the importance of our roles, and if ever faced with a crisis, we want to be ready to not only warn but to also support each child through his/her challenges.

In essence, we are all watchmen, accountable for those in our care. James reminds us that teachers will be judged more harshly, and Jesus warns of the dire consequences of causing a child to stumble.

As we navigate these responsibilities together, I want you to know that despite the seriousness of our tasks, it is a true joy to witness your children grow and thrive. We are committed to pursuing school God’s way, striving to fulfill our roles with diligence and love.

Let us continue to work together, watching over our students, and preparing them for the challenges ahead. Amen.