Like many of you may have done last night, I watched the Super Bowl and cheered on my team, the Green Bay Packers. They brought home a win, and I am beyond excited! But this morning, the Super Bowl win is not my focus. Thanks to a simple children’s message at church yesterday, I now see the Super Bowl and performance through new eyes.
During the children’s message yesterday, one of our members gathered the kids around her and asked what each of them what day it was and what would be happening that afternoon. Almost immediately, some chorused, “The Super Bowl!” She then proceeded to talk about the players as they huddled together during certain parts of the game. “What do you think they are doing when they huddle like that?” she asked. “Well, they’re talking about their strategy and how they can win the game. Really, they’re encouraging each other.”
I couldn’t help but laugh a little as I watched the game last night and saw the players huddle on numerous occasions. Yes, they were certainly encouraging each other, and in order to pull off a Super Bowl win, a team needs to work together to accomplish the goal of winning.
This morning when I turned on the news, the anchors were talking about Christina Aguilera and her mistaken lyrics on the “National Anthem.” While one anchor criticized her for poor musicianship, the other anchor responded, “I just don’t understand why we have to put others down. She made a mistake, but who cares. Let’s move on.”
Wow, what a refreshing spin on a negative news story. If only we as people could respond as the second news anchor did. Everyone makes mistakes and needs some encouragement now and then. I don’t know about you, but as a performer, I can identify with Christina Aguilera. There is nothing worse than forgetting the lyrics to a song and then freezing in that moment in fear because you realize that you don’t know what to do. I give her credit for continuing on and finishing as strong as she could. As for the rest of us, I think we can be better models of love and encouragement. She did her best, and that is all that matters.
So today as I glow in a Super Bowl victory, I think of those that may have received devastating news this week or need a listening ear in difficult times. May I be that word of encouragement they need today and in the days to come. I call each one of you to step up, huddle with those around you, and encourage the team players in your day-to-day life. Go team!
cassiecontemplates 