“Please join me on the journey of unleashing the potential that lies within each of us.” Kirk J Goodwin
These words, penned by my friend, and fellow John Maxwell Team Founding Partner, Kirk Goodwin, are powerful words. They are an invitation to teamwork, an invitation to making a difference and, more than that, these words speak life over every individual. There is potential in everyone.
Today I am not posting my usual ‘series related’ blog. My heart is heavy, and sad for Kirk’s family, because last night Kirk left this world. This gives his words even greater impact–a challenge to leave a legacy that inspires others. A challenge to make a difference in the years that I am given, a gift from God.
My first connection with Kirk was in April 2011, via Facebook, and in August I had the privilege of meeting him in person at the John Maxwell Certification Training, in West Palm Beach. We started with the normal ‘ice breaker’ chatting, inevitably talking about our families.
Kirk asked about my husband and our kids. I shared the usual. We have our hands full, but they’re great and Tim is an amazing dad. Two boys have varying degrees of ADHD, one is on meds during school, the other self-manages, and one daughter is ADD. Can’t sit still, none of them, but they do well in school. …Wonder where they would get that?
Kirk chuckled. Little did I realize that he would understand more than most, what I was describing, and my personal challenge with managing ADHD/ADD over the years. He told me about the S.U.P.E.R. Learning Centre, specializing in helping kids with Autism, ADHD/ADD, PTSD, and other challenges. He talked about the role animals–particularly horses–can play in bringing out the best in kids who have some of these challenges. He mentioned a place in Ohio–not connected with the S.U.P.E.R. Learning Centre, if my memory serves me right–where you can take kids and have them interact with horses. He recommended I bring my boys sometime.
When Kirk said, “…unleashing the potential that lies within each of us…”, he said it because he believed it. His eyes sparkled enthusiastically as he shared the testimonies of kids, whose lives were changed through their work. And the way he took an interest and entered into my life, offering practical insight and sharing resources, was his potential coming through–his gift of impacting and changing lives.
Today, as I read the words Kirk wrote, I am reminded of the importance of living our potential now. We don’t have forever. We have today. It reminded me of the importance of encouraging others, and inviting others to join us in changing lives, in making a difference.
My heart is heavy and sad that Kirk’s life was taken so abruptly. That tragedy has left a family grieving this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and my hope is that those of us who knew Kirk, and even those who never met him, will be inspired to carry on the legacy.
Live your potential today. Believe in the potential that lies in every one of us. Invest in others and invite them to join you in making a difference.
What legacy are you building today, that people will remember tomorrow?
© Trudy Metzger
Visit also these tributes to Kirk Goodwin:
Bob Kittridge’s tribute
Barry Smith’s tribute
A Splash of Love.... 
I actually worked for Kirk when he was running Navigator Technologies. This man was a saint. He gave me a chance when many others would not. I love you Kirk and I will miss you.
Thank you for sharing that, Walter. It is one thing for someone to leave a dynamic impact in a few encounters. It’s even more powerful when those in close proximity testify to that legacy of greatness. Comfort and blessings to you in this time of grief.
Thank you Trudy, for sharing your Kirk story… It is a joy to know and connect with like-minded souls and a pleasure to have known someone who chose to see the best in others. Hugs to you…
What a beautiful tribute to someone that impacted your life. May we all endeavor to make an eternal difference in the lives of others for the time is short, indeed.
Kirk and I go back at least 16 years ago when we both went to the same church. Many years later Kirk served as a leader in our home school support group. Years after that, like Walter, I worked for Kirk for a brief stint.
Kirk and I have enjoyed a friendship so unlike my other friendships. We could both disagree on a lot of things and still remain close friends. I believe we had mutual respect for each other.
Last year when I participated in one of his Mastermind groups, I was to learn from Kirk that I had introduced him to his first John Maxwell book, Developing the Leader Within You. Kirk took the leadership journey a lot further than most of us realize.
He has served his family and community well. I, like Walter, I will always have a place in my heart for Kirk. He has made such a huge impact on me. And if I could say something to Kirk right now it would be, “I love you, my friend! Give the Master our love and see you in a little while.”
Thank you for sharing, Mark. That is a deeply touching and powerful testimony to Kirk’s depth of character. Grace and peace to you, to Kirk’s wife and children, and all his friends and loved ones.