Pep Talk: "What We Do"

Ya know, life is rarely easy, often confusing and sometimes, downright tragic.

For example: Congress’ continued contentiousness in our nation’s capitol about avoiding the “fiscal cliff.” To that I say, “Come on folks, figure it out. That’s why we elect you, to figure it out.” Life ain’t easy for members of Congress who can’t seem to agree on much these days but PLEASE, come on! We also had two powerful reminders to the fragility of the human psyche with the horrific actions of humans against others in Kansas City, Missouri and Casper, Wyoming.

Just my opinion, but it seems difficult to fathom the depths of desperation and loss of hope that must exist before a 25-year-old man, Kansas City Chief linebacker Jovan Belcher, kills his girlfriend, in front of his mother, then himself in front of the team’s head coach and general manager. It’s just a baffling to understand what happened in a Wyoming town about 250 miles north of the Mile High City, Casper. There, another 25-year-old male, Christopher Krumm, killed his father’s girlfriend, then drove a few miles to a local community college and killed his father - who taught there - before taking his own life.

Horrific acts that leave us wondering, “Why?”

My radio partner Eric Goodman and I often talk, privately, about a desire to be able to discuss topics like this on the air at Mile High Sports Radio. We don’t. No, during most of the 15 weekly afternoon hours, 3-6pm, of The Odd Couple: Afternoon Drive with Mac and Goodman we might make mention, offer comment, and wonder, about life’s craziness but our focus is sports. They’re plenty crazy too.

In the babble, about heroes, goats and victims, there is ample evidence of life lessons and reminders. These days Peyton Manning dominates much of the conversation on the airwaves, in our homes and workplaces about the surging Broncos.  For good reason considering the comeback season the 36-year-old quarterback is enjoying in leading the Denver Broncos to an apparent AFC West title and the playoffs.

But the story about the future Hall of Fame signal-caller that caught my eye has nothing to do with touchdown passes, accurate throws or football intelligence. No, the trait of Manning that bore deep into marrow centers on the New Orleans’ native’s philosophy about life. It’s equal to, or greater than, his football skills.

I’m disappointed in myself for not bringing it up sometime last week on The Odd Couple.

Thanksgiving day while reading The Denver Post, a story about Manning’s philanthropic efforts via the Peyback Foundation captured my attention. It was established in 1999, and according to the website, “promotes the success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs providing leadership and growth opportunities for at-risk kids.”

The story focused on the foundation’s annual mission to feed folks at Thanksgiving and Manning’s low-profile approach to generosity. He stated, “The Bible says the right hand  doesn’t need to know what the left hand is doing.” 

The father of 20-month-old twins was talking about those who wanted to know why he doesn’t make a bigger deal about his - wife and family too - passion to help those less fortunate. Manning knows his life is blessed and wants to help others. Good for him.

Later in the week, another Manning story rattled the bones. There’s an eight-grade student in Denver who shares the same name, Peyton Manning. The quarterback invited the hockey player - no football for this young man right now - to a Broncos practice. “It was great,” the younger Manning said after the experience. “Having the name was always a cool thing, but now that I’ve met him it’s even cooler. My friends will be jealous.” No doubt they will.

Inquiring minds wanted to know, what words of advice did the Broncos quarterback offer the hockey captain? “He told me to always try hard and lead by example. Not necessarily with words, but by what you do.”

Damn good advice. For a young man and each of us.

Life ain’t easy. It shocks us with tragedy, bores us with mundaneness, infuriates us with incompetency. Occasionally, it can be exhilarating. It usually is unpredictable. But let’s take a cue from Peyton’s advice to Peyton. Actions speak louder than words. This week, let’s make sure those actions honor us, nurture those dependent upon us and add value to the communities we serve.

Our life. Let it be consistent with always trying hard and leading by example. Not necessarily with words, but by what we do. 

Good luck!