Friday "Flush" -- March 22nd

“Fall seven times….stand up eight”  -- Japanese Proverb

I love the simplicity of the proverb…it is true and powerful.  We get knocked down ALL the time in life, but getting up is the true test.  We are defined not by how well we handle the “day to day,” but we are truly defined by the tests of life that seem to come at us from all sides.  A boxer can’t win until his opponent doesn’t get up, and sometimes that mind set is what I need to keep going.  Whatever knocked me down isn’t going to win…I can’t give it the satisfaction!  So, I HAVE to get up. 

I am not sure what is going on in your life personally, but I hope that you are NEVER knocked down.  But, I am sure that is unlikely….   I hope that you are able to find strength to stand or a group of people that can hold you up.  We do that for our kids…they don’t know how to get back up.  They have learned that quitting sure seems a lot easier.  But, we can’t let them.  They need to taste success, and experience the satisfaction from winning by persistence/dedication. 

This weekend I hope everyone takes a moment to thank someone that has helped them up when they needed it.  Also, think of a student that needs your extra help in fighting against “staying down.”  Think of some ways to help them…

In a similar fashion to the quote, I once heard that Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was talking to his assistant coaches before a recruiting season was about to start.  He said, “Men, you will go out there and find some boys that get knocked down, and they stay down.  We don’t want that kid to play for Alabama.  And, then you find a kid that gets knocked down and gets back up.  He is knocked down again, but then he stays down.  We don’t want that kid to play for Alabama.”  Then, an assistant coach knowing where the story was going said, “Coach, we get it, you want the player that always gets up no matter what…”  Coach Bryant said,” NOOOO!  I want that big ole kid that keeps knocking everyone down.  THAT is what we need at Alabama!”

We won’t be able to only work with the “biggest and strongest” but hopefully you got a laugh out of that story at least.  I hope today is a great day for you….don’t give up on yourselves or this kids.  This is the time of the year we have to “white knuckle” it!  You can do it!  Let me know, if I can help!

 

Happy Friday!