What You See May Not Be What They Give (Skin Deep)

Recently I’ve become interested in reading and learning notable quotations. Many that I consider most eloquent and insightful happen to have been written by those who might be considered to have accomplished great things in their lifetimes.  However, I do not believe that one necessarily has to achieve greatness in order to do great things.  Or even communicate great things.

Below is one quote that strikes a strong chord:

Theodore Roosevelt:
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
- – - – From a speech given in Paris at the Sorbonne in 1910.

In work, as in personal life, it might be easy to survey the landscape of those you interact with or encounter regularly and presume to judge them based on what you believe you see (or what you believe to be true).  Think of the middle school football coach with the 4-5 record.  The waitress who neglects to bring the appetizer first, forgets the dressing should be on the side, and is oblivious to the empty glass.  Consider the work associate – the one you likely don’t know beyond kitchen talk – and cast an opinion about their methods, their work products – without stepping beyond the immediately obvious to consider what may be a higher objective.  Something you may not be privvy to (it might not concern you).  These are examples of what you might see, but don’t really know anything about beneath the surface (the coach may be doing his level best with the talent he’s been given; the waitress may be working 2 jobs and feeling under the weather).

I think there’s a great opportunity in Teddy’s observation – an opportunity to be inspired and challenged.  The inspiration stems from the possibility of success without glamor and at the possible expense of the public opinion and audience.  The challenge comes from the chance we’re all given each day to establish righteous goals, hold fast through temptations, progress in a steady if earthy manner, all for the chance of glorifying others (before yourself) and principles you hold dear.

So with this post, I encourage you to cut a swath through potential distractions – nay, the events, tensions, and choices made and perpetuated by others – to free yourself to experience a journey unlike any other.  A journey of personal fulfillment and achievement rendered attainable by word and deed of which you are the master, and no one else.

As for me, I choose today to glorify those who have inspired and challenged me – some of whom it’s my priviledge and responsibility to shepherd, guide, and coach.  Thanks to the teachers who cared, the mentors who taught, the team members who rallied.