What Makes a Champion?

I guess it was my 13-year old grandson’s love for baseball, that drew me into watching the Little League World Series on TV a few weeks ago. The team from Lufkin, TX won the National games and went on to the World Series.

All teams, at that level, were great, but I was particularly impressed at the excellence and respect displayed by the Tokyo, Japan team. In the finals, they beat Lufkin 12-2. It was the 4th year for the Tokyo team to win the World Series. Here was what set them apart from the U.S. teams. They practice more than any other team -- 11 months out of the year. They play only one sport – baseball. On game day, they practice 4 hours before the game. As reported, “They have the marathon versus sprint mindset. Everyone else HOPES and DREAMS to get to the World Series. The Japanese kids EXPECT to get there." When the Japanese coach was asked if his kids were genius, he replied “No – they and their families just single-heartedly give everything they’ve got to get here.” I watched with amazement as they had such great respect for the umpires, opponents, elders and when they came onto the field, they stood in a line and bowed to the American fans. There was so much attention to detail, even after the win. They ran to stand in line, left to right, from the shortest player to the tallest. They bowed to the American team and fans. You could tell they had rehearsed the win, because they knew exactly what to do when they won.

I don’t profess to know it all about the Tokyo players or their game, but I must have been impressed enough to take notes about what I saw to share with you. An attitude of “expecting” to win so much so that they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure it happens. That was a lesson for me, for sure – getting my "expector" up on whatever I’m attempting to conquer and win at. But, more than their excellent game play, I was taken with their team spirit, their manners and respect. I’ll admit it gave me pause to think how wonderful it would be to see such behavior by our U.S. teams that extends to their homes and lives, In fact I started thinking how we could ALL step it up in respect with each other.

I remember being “coached” by my parents to say “please” and “thank you”, “yes, sir” and yes, m’am” and I think it stuck, because, unconsciously, I’ll say those words even at my ripe age today. We are the best role models for our children. When they see us respectful and honorable, they'll pick up on it.
When they see us slamming” and “degrading” others, it carries over to our children and their respect for others deteriorates. By our modelling respect, our our children gain the confidence that comes from knowing the right thing to do. That respect for others isn’t just the right way to act, but respect and good manners will set our children up for a lifetime of success with others.

Maybe I'm "old school", but I admire seeing a child, when introduced to someone, reach out his/her hand and say, “It’s nice to meet you!” I appreciate it when a man, woman or child, opens the door for me. It wasn't that long ago that men respected a woman enough to get up from the table and pull out her chair for her. If a woman was standing on a bus or event, a man or even a boy would give her their seat. I realize we live in a much more casual society today than when I was growing up, but, it seems we need to revive the spirit of respect, honor, dignity and appreciation for our fellow man and woman.

I think those Japanese kids had learned the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That means, for all of us, to treat others as we would like to be treated, to be a good sport, to say "please and thank you", to ask before taking, to not talk with food in our mouths, to not take bites that make us look like we’re stashing away for the winter, to not make fun of others, to be compassionate, helpful, and when we say “sorry”, we really, really mean it. In no way am I suggesting that we "Bring back the good old days!" I love these days, but I think it's time to step up our "game" in being the best WE that we can possibly be.

THE END of this Nana’s “The Making of a Champ” post, but I hope and pray it’s the beginning of a “Once upon a time” a champion was created. That champion isn't only our children -- it's the making of a champion in you and me!

The Attitude of Gratitude

I've loved seeing FB posts by many of you who are expressing 30 days of gratitude in this month of Thanksgiving. Others are just randomly posting how grateful they are for their faith, God's love and life's sweetest blessings -- their family, friends, their health, their precious times together making memories -- all those things that money just can't buy.

I love it! And, if you and I have let that attitude of gratitude slip us by, just maybe it's a perfect way for us to start our day and week -- this week -- with simple words and thoughts of gratitude!

Zig Ziglar was such a dear friend and such had such a tremendous influence in our family's lives -- in so many ways. You could tell where he came from -- and that an attitude of gratitude was right up there in his values. What was Zig's secret? Zig's widowed mother of eleven raised her children alone. Though extremely poor, Mrs. Ziglar instilled a strong work ethic in her children and raised them to believe that both she and God loved them. She also taught her children to practice saying "please" and "thank you." Those lessons stuck. Her formula of work, love and faith made their difficult lives easier and enjoyable.

Zig said, "When we neglect to require our children to say `thank you' when someone gives them a gift or does something for them, we raise ungrateful children who are highly unlikely to be content. Without gratitude, happiness is rare. With gratitude, the odds for happiness go up dramatically."

And even more so, how much our Father God wants to bless His kids as He sees our attitudes of gratitude! To acknowledge Him for not just the big things, but all the daily blessings in each and every day.. So, today, I'm starting with saying "Dear God. Today I woke up. I am healthy. I am alive. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Thank you."