Opportunity Taken By Preparation

There is a story of the boy David, who had the courage to face the giant, Goliath. With everyone saying no one could defeat the giant Goliath, using his sling, David killed Goliath. Our own present day marketing promotions use this story in many ways to stir public interest in the next big thing or even the next big story. All in an attempt to get you, the consumer to watch or buy the show or item.

Over this college football bowl marathon, we were deluged by the use of this story in promoting a football game between Boise State University and the University of Oklahoma. Time upon time it was said how could this little team called Boise State hold up against the big and mighty Oklahoma Sooners? Describing it this way made it appear as though this small school was being given a chance to upset a powerful opponent. And that it would be disasterous for the mighty team to lose.

Boise State, a school with nearly 11,000 undergraduate students and a football budget of $4.5 million in expenses on revenues of $8.5 million defeated the University of Oklahoma. The larger school with an enrollment of roughly 18,000 undergraduates and a football program that spends about $13.5 million on revenues of almost $34 million. Information available through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.

Certainly the numbers would say it is a case of David versus Goliath. But maybe it is really one of a school embarking on a change years ago. One that set them on a path to success. A change that would help prepare them for this wonderful opportunity in a football game. This Boise State team did not 'all of a sudden' appear in a major college bowl.

During this particular season, they first appeared in the football ratings at #25 in week four of the season and reaching the #10 spot by week fourteen. A steady and gradual rise in the polls as they improved each week. Yet their movement towards success happened well before this football season ever started.

A sports writer I'm not, but what I am trying to illustrate is that it didn't "just happen" for this team. It took years of change and improvement and finally culminated in the ascent the team took this particular football season. It is a great story of making the changes necessary to take advantage of opportunity.

The same can be said for your own life. You can not simply wait for opportunity, you have to change and improve yourself. If you do not, you will not be prepared when the opportunity does come along. Start today, expect to have to persevere, expect setback. But do know that everything you do is preparing you for coming opportunity. Those moments will arrive, be ready for them.

The New Year

A new year is upon us and new reasons to lift yourself to a new level. Throughout the past year, I have spoken of making change now. To start a new path and not to wait around for the right opportunity. The sun has dawned on a new day and chapter in your life.

The poet Edith Lovejoy Pierce wrote, "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." On this the first day of the year, let us all take the opportunity to write a new future for those around us, for our community, for our children and for ourselves.

It all begins now, so take hold and experience a greater life. Have a happy and great new year.

Family

During my time off this week, it brings to mind things that I am thankful for. Things and people that have been a large reason in explaining who I am. In large part, my mother, father and siblings help make me the person I am today.

All of us have family and it is an easy thing to be thankful for. For me, being the second youngest of seven children allowed me to watch the older ones. Learning by their failures or success is something that I did all along. Through the death of a sister, to all of the many things that happen within a family, each of us have stuck together.

My parents are well into retirement and enjoying their lives and life together the way they want. As parents, I'm sure they understand how much they've meant to all of us kids but we'll never feel thankful enough. Not perfect parents but perfect for me as I've come to understand that we do the best we can in raising children and in living our lives.

To my sister and brothers, thank you for helping me through many of the tough times that I've had. It was with your support that really pulled me through those times. I'll always be one to give credit to each of you for helping form the person that I am now. As I go through my life, remembering each of you with gratitude and love will always remain.

To my readers, in some form you each have a family that raised you. There are many different stories, many different types and many levels of satisfaction with ones family. Yet you should find it in your heart to remember family at this time of year. Be safe and healthy during the holiday celebrations.

Christmas

All of us have our favorite Christmas hymns, this is mine. Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

O Holy Night - J.S.Dwight & A.C.Adam, 19th Century

O holy night,
the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of
our dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world
in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared
and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope,
the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees,
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night,
O night divine!

Led by the light
of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts
by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star
sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men
from Orient land.

The King of Kings
lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials
born to be our Friend!

He knows our need,
To our weakness no stranger;
Behold your King!
Before the lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King!
before Him bend.

Truly He taught us
to love one another;
His law is love and
His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break
for the slave is our brother
And in His name
all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in
grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us
praise His holy name!

Christ is the Lord,
Oh praise His name forever,
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim
His pow'r and glory
evermore proclaim.