JUNE 18, 2020
Sorry to begin this week’s remarks with so many questions. BUT, if you are not curious about life (and death), then you are just a spectator in life. Have you ever reflected on what you really want or need in life? If you haven’t, START NOW!
Life is full of challenges, responsibilities, opportunities, risks, threats, disappointments, truth, beauty, goodness, unity and JOY. Hopefully you are one of those who enjoys life and learns to grow into what God intended for you. Remember, he loves you more than you can imagine. Even if you mess up occasionally which ALL of us do. Find your truth and live it. Find the beauty in this world because there is much to be thankful for. Look for the goodness in yourself and in others. Lots of goodness to be shared among all of us right now. Finally, look for unity in all things. A nation without unity ceases to exist.
I love Lou Holtz. The old “Coach” is a wise and humble servant who has had an unbelievable career of impacting many young (and old) lives. Holtz says there are four types of people in this world:
- Cop-outs………..These are the people who don’t even try. “I can’t do this because society is against me.” “The competition is too tough.” “Nobody is going to give me a fair shot.” Life is just too hard.” These people are FOLLOWERS.
- Hold-outs……….”I think I can do it but I’m going to wait until someone else goes first.” “When it becomes easy, then I will do it.” Once again, these people are FOLLOWERS.
- Drop-outs……….These are people who start with great enthusiasm but end up getting knocked down, so they just QUIT. They then become FOLLOWERS.
- All-outs………….No matter what happens, these people make an ALL-OUT commitment in any situation. No matter what obstacles are thrown in their path, they keep their sights on the goal or objective.. They work together with others because they know they cannot do it alone. They don’t look for a bail-out. They prepare! Then they ACT. These people are LEADERS.
What do YOU want out of life? I know we all aspire to be significant. We all “crave” to be appreciated. We all WANT to belong. This requires ACTION on your part so don’t wait for things to come your way. Be open to the opportunities but then you have to seize those opportunities by stepping out of yourself, commit, and then act in a positive manner. Too many of us go through life becoming discouraged with our situation and with others. Rather than let it happen to you, “GO MAKE IT HAPPEN.” Be a leader and not just a spectator. Learn to evaluate (and don’t forget your history) the past, put things into context and then look to the future. Anticipation of goods things to come will help drive you toward your goals whether they are large or small. Be positive about things within your control and take action to improve or grow. Don’t worry about what other people think about you because it is OUT of your control. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to yourself in a positive manner. You can do it. Be strong!
Once you reach this level, you are already starting to win. Life is hard. Life is not always fair. But life is still good so change your thinking and become a leader. Don’t worry about becoming a great leader. You will need to lead yourself FIRST before you go start leading others. Your friends, family, and co-workers need you to help them. Go looking for them. Remember, they may just need that little PUSH to get out of being a cop-out, hold-out, or drop out.
Go ALL-OUT and start today. It doesn’t have to be something big. Start small and build from there. It will be a winning strategy for your life AND for others.
“Are you IN or OUT?
Elevator Guy