DO UNTO OTHERS…(and yourself)
There will be several answers here, but who would you say was the greatest NFL coach? If that’s too much, let’s give you some consideration, and you can name the top three. Anyone want to disagree with Vince Lombardi? If I remember, isn’t there a trophy, the Vince Lombardi Trophy? I’m a little biased here, (even though I’m a Chicago Bears fan!), but this man tells us, especially in sports, the meaning of commitment. It’s your word, to yourself, or many others if you belong to a team, of commitment, to be your best. This man talked not only of being your best on the playing field, but outside the stadium. He really remains one of the most notable sports figures of all time, but despite his success, he never lost sight of his purpose in life. First of all, he was a very religious man; he went to daily mass, and received Communion every day. Just giving you info about him, and his thinking. He once said,
“After all the cheers have died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written, and after you are back in the quiet of your room and the championship ring has been placed on the dresser, and after all the pomp and fanfare have faded, the enduring thing that is left is the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which to live.” Vince Lombardi.
To me, that sums it up. Live your life, better yet, live your life for someone else, every day, every hour, every second; moment-to-moment! So many times we go through life multi-tasking, and NEVER noticing what has been giving to us. Whether you’re walking down the street and the beauty of the trees, or you’re driving and thinking about the rest of your day, it would seem that one would some how miss a miracle that could be happening, right in front of them. Did you ever appreciate the beauty of silence, only silence? I’m guilty if I said I do all of the time, but when I focus on just enjoying that second, or even a minute, it really is beautiful. This is Mr. Lombardi teaching, to give to another a commitment of your time, and kindness to make their day, a better day. You are outside the stadium, you are trying to make the world a better place to live. It’s a beautiful way to think, so why don’t we ALWAYS try to think that way? For those that go to church every Sunday, try to live that peaceful space from your heart throughout your day, when you drive out of the church parking lot, instead of reacting to the car that just cut in front you, and you might have had to apply your breaks. Maybe just thank God that you’re still safe, you made the world a better place.
If you remember, there was a high school student, Kendrick Castillo who was a very kind, religious student, the perfect young adult. He was involved in the Denver shooting last May, a gunman started shooting, and as he charged the gunman, he was shot, and passed away. Yes, this is tragic; yes, he lost his life; yes, his parents do not have him any longer. I absolutely think, though, that he gave his life for his friends, and any other student, teachers; he made the world a better place. At the end of the day, was his thinking right, or not so right. No answer to that, but he lived in the moment, and reacted to saving other peoples lives, and to me, there is no other greater deed, than to think of others at all times. His parents used this as a picture of well being, and their response was, at a honor for him, “Kendrick would go out of his way-nothing was more important than helping someone else, he did something what we should be doing, we gather here as a community to learn the lessons of love, but when we exit the doors, it(love), should never stop, and Kendrick figured it out. If he can be the new light to bring people out of darkness, to let them know that there’s hope and to live their lives differently, get involved, I think that’s a good thing; we need someone like that, and he was that person.”
That, to me, is a saint; who gave his life, to save others. So do we all have to be in that situation, to be thought of in that way? I don’t think so, but I DO think we should be very kind to other people, help other people, even help someone without them knowing it was you who helped them, because your kindness doesn’t have to be “on show” to others.
Next week, in the Catholic church, Lent starts. I not trying to preach to anyone about my religion, but why don’t you join me in the way that I’m honoring my beliefs? Instead of “giving something up” for Lent, (40 days), why not give to someone, help in any way that they might need help. Picking up their trash, throwing their newspaper that’s laying at the curb, and bringing it up to their door, simple stuff. You would be making the world a better place to live. Here is one thing that I can, and will guarantee; you will feel SO much better, so much more peace than before. Guess what? You will find out that this is the easy part, that took maybe about 30 seconds! If someone needs a ride, give them one if you have the time, or just offer them your time, and that will clear a head from everything that went wrong that day, into a place of peacefulness. You’re helping someone, and making the world a better place. You will find that this is not a chore, but enjoyable. I will be open to anyone who asks about my day throughout Lent, how about you? Join me, I’m serious when I say that your heart will jump to another beat! Join me, help someone, make this world a better place.
Scott
www.everythingisgoingtobelright.com
