Lesson from St. Valentine for our President.

I would be the first to admit that I hadn’t done any research on the history or legacy of Valentine’s Day. Upon doing a google search I discovered a couple of amazing facts about the legend of this amazing individual. Our president didn’t have a great day yesterday clearly having to defend himself against fake news, the resignation or firing of one of his key cabinet members, the withdrawal from another key nominee and his last-minute press meeting. Yes, the announcement of another candidate for Labor Secretary was great news seeing this was the first Hispanic nominee for his cabinet but most of the press conference was for self-defense.

Clearly St. Valentine, if history is correct, was an individual who was more concerned about others than his reputation or his life. How is it possible that POTUS ‘winged’ his last minute planned press conference, notice not meeting that lasted for more than an hour? It would appear after his long-winded defense of his smooth-running team that a little bit of honesty might bid better for himself than an ongoing attack of the press, fake news and avoiding the truth. St. Valentine was willing to stand up to the Roman Emperor of his day against an edict that young soldiers couldn’t get married. He was willing to put his life on the line for these soldiers who were called to put their lives on the line yet couldn’t marry. Imagine what could happen if POTUS were to have the same mindset and set aside ego, brand, business pursuits and serve the average American Citizen that does pay taxes instead of ‘hob nobbling’ with his billionaires he has selected for his cabinet?

I admit that I too struggle with the perception people have about me and at times can be at odds with a kid over some silly little tiff or battle that a day from now will seem foolish. Yet, St. Valentine’s example is one that would aide our POTUS when it comes to standing up against foreign leaders who clearly don’t have the best interest of the world or US in mind! The insecurity of most Jr. High Guys does come back to the size of their hands and stature in face of someone that has called them out. The opportunity for all of us is to stand up to the modern-day bully that could ultimately destroy our freedoms and democracy! The difficulty is that our POTUS is more concerned about crowd sizes and winning the popular vote than addressing the threat of a Russian Ship off our eastern border.

One of the great life lessons from St. Valentine is that he would be willing to give anyone a second, third or fourth opportunity to figure out the real meaning of mercy, grace and justice! He valued all life not just his own as he stood up to the injustice of the Emperor of his day. The ultimate sacrifice that the secret service, FBI, CIA or special ops agent could make one day for our recently elected president is significant. I’m commanded not suggested to pray for those in authority over our government regardless of my personal views. Yes, I need to have an attitude adjustment to see God protect, prosper and teach our leaders of today.

As I handed out Valentine Candy this week it struck me how one of my grandmas, who is an immigrant and citizen, spends her day teaching English while playing Bingo with some friends!

Open Your Eye!

I live in the land of incredible sunrises and sunsets. Yet, too often my head is stuck in my iPhone either responding to a text or just looking at social media. I’ve grown accustomed to having my wife always ream me for not looking up instead of being focused on the path or ground around me. It’s tragic that most spend their lives with their head buried in the sand missing out on real life!

Yes, I can actually remember life before PC’s, Mac’s or smart phones. I spent most of my college and grad days typing on this ancient Smith Corona Typewriter. Relationships were based upon actual conversation instead of this text or messaging world that dominates. I was taken back that one of my more intelligent teen gals actually had a long-distance relationship with a guy that she had never met face to face. I couldn’t imagine how you could truly know this person and forget talking about being close to your BF or GF?

It’s always humbling for me to admit that I don’t have perfect eye sight, not bad but wearing by glasses especially at night means that I actually can read the various street signs instead of faking it or reading the signs as I pass them. Why would anyone not want to have great eye sight and be able to see the incredible sunsets or the Grand Canyon or my favorite place Yosemite and Half Dome?

It’s amazing what you can see when you open your eyes and put your iPhone in your pocket. I confess to the fact that it’s too easy to even drive with your phone stuck on your dash and still be distracted when driving.  I will never forget how my dad’s eye sight improved greatly after his cataract surgery. He made the comment that he could now actually read his newspaper instead of just looking at the pictures. Sadly. too often I have self-imposed cataracts that blind me from seeing the beauty of life because of my fixation with my phone looking at updates.

Maybe it’s time to put down the phone, turn off the radio, TV or video device and have an actual conversation with the one you love for the best Valentine gift possible!!

Super win = don’t ever give up!

The ongoing screams from last night’s Falcon fans at my house one would have never guessed that the other team could stay focused, keep playing and come from behind in overtime to WIN! Yet, the reality is that regardless of being the most down you may ever be in life it’s never TOO LATE to make a comeback. The misnomer is that most of us will think this is easy to say and believe if you’re Tom Brady. Yet, the amazing news, even for the Falcons the day after, is that you are the one that decides whether you keep going or throw in the towel!

I can’t fathom the halftime conversation or screams that erupted in the Patriot’s locker room when you’re down 21-3. Regardless of whether Coach Bill unleashed it the reality is that a team decided to play like there was still hope and what happens in the moment definitely matters. How often do you get down, frustrated and mad at yourself and instead of allowing this to motivate you to step up, rise up and do it, instead you go back to bed or live on the couch.

How is it possible to ‘choke’ in the big game when clearly it’s yours to lose? The more interesting conversation would have been in the Falcon locker room when you know that the team you’re facing is more than capable of coming back at you! One of life’s challenges or moment of opportunity is when you believe that you’re on top and it becomes too easy to be complacent or even lazy thinking you’ve arrived? The reality is that winners make it happen when they are losing and the crowd is already to check out and go home.

I agree that being frustrated at work, home or with your personal life doesn’t seem the same as the super bowl, yet your life truly is the ‘Big Game’ that the world is watching. I get it personally that I’m not going to win any ratings game with millions watching. Yet, for individuals, that are average moms and dads, what you choose to do in the quiet moments of doubt and despair will determine the future for your family and your little one(s)!

Talent comes in different shapes and sizes whether that’s on the field or more importantly in your home, school or work place! So how does one make your life be on the same par as the playoffs regardless of whether that’s in the NFL, MLB or the record breaking Open in Phoenix with temps in the 70’s? It’s unfortunate that we as society put more importance on celebs, sports icons or the super wealthy High Tech ‘gods’ then a young mommy who is working full time, going to school part time and trying to rock her world?

I had a close friend die this last week doing something that he loved! His belief and faith says that he’s in the better place. Yet, a wife, a son, a daughter and a little church feel left behind and overwhelmed. How is it possible after a horrific tragedy like this to keep going and not scream out to God, family and friends the proverbial WHY and it’s not fair! The reality is that we do scream out to God and express our despair, disappointment and anger to each other and ourselves. My hope and prayer is that this would move us to keep going, not quit and see that life is more than a football game but is lived in the little things of a goodbye hug or kiss and the tucking of a little child into bed.

Live life like you are a super winner even when you lose the game knowing that your life is more than that!