When Winning Produces a Loss

D Rose Injury
May sound contrariain, but sometimes winning can produce a loss. From a sports perspective, your team may win the game, but if your star player goes down with an injury, that's a big loss. This can apply to life too. You know, we've been told how great it is to be the one who's in charge or the one everyone wants to hear from. All the while forgetting the price involved.

We've been turned into sheep. We're led along with the herd and told what we must be. All the while being seduced into believing that all of the goods and awards make being a sheep not such a bad thing. And the longer we stay in the herd, the greater the chance we will never have the will to live differently.

The reality is found in understanding that if we win at the expense of something very important, we will lose and that will be the lasting legacy.

I really don't want to insult your intelligence by creating a "here's how" list for avoiding this plague (winning that produces loss). Truth is, most of us know what we need to do (take our spouse out on a date, begin the exercise plan, cut back on work, etc.), it's just our will and courage to do it.

If you're in the category of not knowing, then read this post from awhile back for some direction.

A Father’s Lesson

My wife and I were talking about family values a couple of days ago.  Don’t worry, this post has zero to do with politics.  We were discussing what’s most important to us and how it impacts the rearing of our kids.

The conversation was brought on by the reality of how busy many families are today.  Whether its kids in multiple sports, work, extended family obligations or general responsibilities.  Many people are overwhelmed, and not so sure their direction is sound.

As we spoke, it dawned on me how important my time is to my kids.  Time to look them in the eyes, time to smile at the miracle they are, and time to lead.  As tough as it is to live it out, my family is my second most important value.  Consequently, I have said no to many good things in oder to say yes to the best things.

The title of this post is very personal and worth sharing because the subject matter was double confirmed when I read this post (The Brand in the Sand) from Anna Farmery.  Anna has a wonderful blog that many of you may frequent titled The Engaging Brand.

Anna’s relationship with her father has inspired me before, but this story touched me in a way that can only be defined as profound.  You’ll understand after reading her post.  But I hope one day my son and daughter will look back and see me in the same brush strokes that Anna paints of her father.