There is a lesson in humble pie

I know that I am not the greatest ping pong player in the world.  I may try and talk a good game, but deep down I understand that I have limited skills.  That doesn't prevent me from talking trash......

I was humbled today....


Just last week I talked about my ability to turn on my switch again.  I had the chance today when we invited Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch to the fire house for a "friendly" game of ping pong.  My invitation set the tone "come play pong with us, we will feed you, but you better bring your "A" game......

Well he did.....

I was humbled today....

If you know much about athletics you would understand that it takes a special type of person to make it to the top.....Now I have never met Mr. Batch and had no clue as to his abilities as a ping pong player...I figured at most, he would come in, win some, lose some and we would have a good time playing....

He is a ringer....Bringing his own "magical" paddle...he humbly served all members of station 4 b shift slices of humble pie......We did not win a single game....and as frustrating as it was to lose (I still have my switch) there was a lesson to be learned....I am assuming that Mr. Batch was not born with a pong paddle in his hands....That it took  practice for him to be able to beat the master pong players at the fire house (ok so maybe not masters)....That something drove him to be better than average...So the lesson I was reminded of is this....

I have a promtional exam coming up that could help me get to where I intend on being.  If I don't put in the work to do great, I will not....

I have a wife and two beautiful girls that I should not neglect and should work harder in order to be the father and husband they deserve.....

I have a loving God that sacrificed everything, asking little of me and I have neglected that relationship....I should desire to put in the work in order to grow closer to Him, in order to show Him my gratitude.....

I was humbled today and it taught me a lesson....if I am going to walk the walk, if I am going to truly squeeze everything this life has to offer, I need to get to work...because words will not carry you when the ball is bouncing across the table and you are playing against the game of life.....

Humility

I try to learn something about myself.....about life, every day....
Today was a new lesson..
This has been on my mind for a couple of months now and I have been searhing for an answer that was right in front of me.  An answer that I have known for a long time. 
I have been investing tons of hours studying for this promotional exam.  I am caught up in it.  It would be safe to say that I have become obssed with perfection on this test and I am putting in all the time and effort in order to put my best foot forward on test day...

The thing that has been on my mind lately is "why haven't you invested the same amount of time with your family and your walk with God?"  I will be honest, it has been a troubling few weeks pondering this question. 

The way I see it my priorities are out of whack.  I can see myself walking into the test and doing well because I was prepared.  How much greater would my walk be if I prepared the same way during my time with God?  How much better would my marriage be if I invested the same amount of time with my wife?  How much greater of a father would I be if I spent the same amount of time with my kids?

Time to get my priorities in check!

The Switch

I have this switch and it has been off for sometime....I realized today at the gym that I have turned it back on.....

This switch got me through my dad leaving, through seeing him beat my mom.
This switch got me through punishing verbal and physcial abuse from a Step Father who didn't care.
This switch got me into college, the ability to turn it on while on the field, switching from "we can be friends" to "you will never beat me and if you do, you will earn it"
This switch got me through fights...from when the twins showed up with their buddy in my front yard, I closed the door and turned on the switch...when I opened the door it was on.  The switch was activated...
This switch got me through the neighborhood.  Turning it on made me feel untouchable...you were not going to bully me.
This switch got me through war.  Turning it on told me I would do anything to provide for my family and protect their freedom.
This switch got me through two marathons just to say I could do it.  Turn the switch on and I will not quit....
It has been off for a while and has taken a lot to turn it back on....
Today I turned it back on for good....
Sitting in the gym with 90lb dumbells and my mind telling me I have no more left, I turn on the switch and finish the set....
Now that the switch is on, it is go time.  I have a plan and that plan is to be number 1.....If I fail I will be dissapointed but I will know that I gave it my all and that the switch was on......
You think I can't do it?  Watch me!  The switch is on and when it is on failure is not an option!
You think i'm not good enough?  I have heard that before and look at where I am now...you think that your words won't motivate me?  Watch me work when the switch is on.....
100% is not possible?  Watch and beware when the switch is on.