There is always a lesson
So, I am pumped about four exciting March events.
My favorite AFC Richmond soccer coach, Ted Lasso, is back! Woot! Woot! This is one of my beloved series in years. Ted’s upbeat, quirky demeanor, pithy sayings, and wise people-handling skills make him a favorite. Not to mention, the show is sometimes hilarious while often ending with a poignant moment. The sitcom reveals so much about quality coaching; Utah Jazz’s head coach makes this show required watching for all his coaching staff. It’s everything I like in a television show rolled into one.
Interestingly, Jason Sudeikis, who plays Ted, bases his character on several influential people throughout his life. Jason’s high school basketball coach, Donnie Campbell, was his most significant influence. Sudeikis reflects that he rarely did homework and played little or no defense. He explains that his high school coach is probably surprised since Jason seemed to pay little attention to his coach.
However, that turns out to be untrue. He writes, “I did not do a lick of homework,” Sudeikis said. “I didn’t play a lick of defense. I was a good listener, but I didn’t listen in the moment. I just stored it all up, and now [I’m] using it, typing it out, and then just memorizing and saying it to folks.”
Lesson: Never underestimate your influence on those around you. You are making a difference whether you know it or not.
Jason also cites several other influential guides who formed him into the person he has become. Famous college coach John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” hangs on his wall. Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp once took his team out for a night of karaoke as a team-building exercise, and so did Ted Lasso because of it. Ted’s accent is modeled after University of Kansas coach Bill Self and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is often mentioned on the show. I repeat, never underestimate your influence on those around you. You are making a difference whether you know it or not.
Secondly, I attended a Bruce Springsteen concert with my son-in-law in Philly on Thursday night. I’ve wanted to witness firsthand the legendary rocker, “the Boss,” for years, and he did not disappoint. I also got to visit my daughter and see all the fantastic upgrades she made to the women’s shelters she directs. And last but certainly not least, I saw my little redheaded Irishman, Finn, who happens to be my grandson. Not bad for a Thursday in March!
Lesson: Bruce Springsteen is 73 years old and still rocks stadiums anywhere from two to four hours per concert. Never underestimate us, old folks; we’re still rocking the world!
Thirdly, I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day Friday, which is always a blast. I love visiting Ireland, which I have done many times. It is a beautiful place. My daughter and I visited a local genuine Irish Pub where we enjoyed a pint of Guinness and live Celtic music. The Irish are special people, and I have numerous friends in the land of the shamrock.
St. Patrick, by the way, was originally from Britain but was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. Though raised in a Christian home, Patrick did not become a Christian until he was enslaved and worked as a shepherd. He was known as “Holy Boy” among his fellow enslaved friends. After escaping, he returned to Ireland but had a dream of the Irish calling out to him to come and preach the Gospel to them. Against much opposition, the saint returned and preached to the very people who had enslaved him. Through constant persecution, the Gospel preacher taught throughout the island. Legend has it that he used the three-leafed shamrock to illustrate the Trinity. Folklore also teaches that St. Patrick drove all the snacks out of Ireland since they symbolized the Devil. There are no snakes on the Emerald Isle to this day, so I’m sticking to that story. I thoroughly enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day.
Lesson: Never underestimate the power of one person to change the world.
Finally, the Holy Grail of college basketball, March Madness, is upon us, and my Hoosiers, a good team this year, played and won Friday night. Until last year, Indiana experienced a long draught in top-level performance, which is difficult for a Hoosier fan. But coach “Woody” seems to have returned a measure of glory to our team. Tonight, we will beat Miami and advance to the sweet sixteen. Yep, I am indeed confident!
So far, two number-one seeds have lost to much lower-rated teams. Purdue, another Indiana staple, lost to a number sixteen seed which is only the second time in tournament history. Tiny Fairleigh Dickinson of Teaneck, NJ pulled off the upset, which was even more impressive since they were technically not supposed to play in the tournament. FD has only 11,500 students compared to the Goliath, Purdue, at 41,500 on a large campus. Another Jersey school, Princeton, also beat a much larger university, Missouri. Basketball must be in the air in New Jersey this year. There is a good reason why they call it “March Madness!”
Lesson: My friend always reminded me, “Bigger is not better. Better is better.”
Enjoy whatever good things God sends your way this week and don’t forget to thank Him.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
