Thinking Out LoudWhen I was younger, I thought that life was all about accolades and achievement – to make a name for ourselves. I was wrong.
I’ve just returned from a week in the US where I had the privilege of meeting faith leaders, political leaders and college athletes. I also spoke at the Governor’s Leadership breakfast in Indianapolis, in the great state of Indiana. I spoke about the beauty of sacrifice: the way Americans and Australians owe much to those who came before us; the way our lives have been touched by others pouring themselves out for us. And about why the most beautiful thing in team sports is the pass – a teammate giving of themselves for a higher purpose.
Indiana University recently won a surprise National College Football Championship. College sport is a big deal there, and the Hoosier state will be celebrating for decades. Their win was driven by previously unknown (now superstar) quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw incredible pinpoint passes to his teammates all season, and several in the final against the Miami Hurricanes – a game typified by how terrified the Miami defence was of Mendoza’s passing ability. It was his capacity to give that set him apart. So it is with us.
Australian journalist and author Michael Gawenda wrote of ‘the great American friendliness’ upon returning from the US. Last week, I enjoyed its fruits myself, and was repeatedly astonished by how readily some people are willing to give of themselves. Rumours of the deep kindness of the US Midwest are well-founded.
In the big things and the small things, we are at our best not when we are merely achieving or accumulating but being sacrificial. We best reflect our purpose when we strive for goodness, not glory – pouring ourselves out for others.
Go Hoosiers!
This Thinking Out Loud was first published on Facebook.