My wonderful sister-in-law, Evin, gave my oldest son a card for his first Birthday. It was a simple piece of white card-stock – about 5 inches across. On it she wrote these words “Go forth and set the world on fire.” It’s apparently a quote from St. Ignatius of Loyola. That’s it. It’s so simple. It’s so clear. It drips with hope and confidence and potential. Go forth and set the world on fire.
Evin wanted my son to grow up knowing that he can influence the world, that someone believes in him, that he has a voice and the power to effect real change in the world around him. For the past 3 years this card has been stuck to our refrigerator with a few magnets. It’s a daily reminder of what I believe about my children, myself, and my students.
Thanks Evin. Thanks St. Ignatius.
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