APRIL 8, 2022
As brother Randy and I were preparing for our next meeting with our Foundational Band of Brothers, we ran across an inspirational quote by one of my heroes, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. “ From; “The Man in the Arena.” By Theodore Roosevelt.
“The Man in the Arena” It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails while DARING GREATLY, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Unfortunately, we have become a society of spectators. Most people prefer to watch, critique, Monday morning quarterback and criticize others that play the game of life. In our overly protective and woke world, we are often told; “There is too much risk involved and I don’t want to invest time, effort or money in anything that might fail;” “I might get hurt” or “I might hurt others.” “I am more comfortable just watching NETFLIX, ESPN, or playing my games.”
Think about your own truth. Are you a spectator or an active participant in life? Do you stand back and watch the game while others are in the trenches playing the game? Try getting in the game by taking some action. James 1:22 reminds us; “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourself.” If you just listen, how can you figure out your own truth?” (Be careful of those foolhearted politicians while you are at it) Becoming a critic is much easier than being a participant and certainly doesn’t make you the authority.
Want to add a little adventure and opportunity in your life? (It is all around you) Then go get involved in something that you have a passion for, a strength in or an interest in. It may be the next best move you have made in your life.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “In Life, Be a Participant, Not a Spectator.” Lou Holtz