I can only speak for myself in this regard but there was a recent “aha” moment reminding this simple dude from Missouri to the power of an encouraging word.
First, let me say, the word “encourage” has always been a favorite. It’s defined as “to give hope and confidence to. Whenever blessed to have the opportunity to present a live Pep Talk message to a group of folks, we always discuss the importance of gathering with like-minded people and giving hope and confidence to one another. Can you imagine? What with this world look like if we all - despite challenges present - kept an attitude focused on hope and confidence? Bartender, a round for everybody at the bar - twice!
On the first day back from the recent holidays, on our radio show, The Odd Couple: Afternoon Drive with Mac and Goodman we were discussing what kept us busy while away from Mile High Sports Radio each weekday from 3-6pm. A highlight for yours truly was helping out Santa.
There is a tradition within family in the Chicago-area where every Christmas, at the family party, Santa Claus makes an appearance, when available. There are some years - party’s been going strong for more than four decades - where Santa, because of his hectic schedule, can’t fit the Kilgallon bash into the social calendar. Thus, with Santa’s approval, a “Santa Helper” is designated to don the resplendent red suit and shower the kids with gifts.
This recent opportunity to serve Santa was my second fill-in role for the jolly old man. I cherish being asked to substitute. However, as I talked about the experience days later on Odd Couple, something crashed hard into cranium: I could have done much better.
I realized afterward, opportunity was missed to have taken time, before donning the Santa suit, quizzing the parents about their kids. So, when the child came to sit on the lap of Santa’s helper - me - the knucklehead sweating profusely inside that warm garb could have known a bit about the child and offered an encouraging word. I knew a few of the kids pretty well and was able to, as they nestled on my lap, brag about them a bit. But not all of them. Darn it.
The look on the faces of the kids who received encouragement like, “Best darn trumpet player in the history of OLPH!” or “the future goalie of the Chicago Blackhawks!” was priceless and you could tell they loved the gathered throng cheering them on.
The power of an encouraging word. It can change a life.
A very powerful reminder to the power of giving hope and confidence to others was burrowed into my marrow long ago. A high school football coach, after his young quarterback made a terrible mistake in his first varsity game, had a choice to rip into the kid or coach him up a bit. Vance Morris chose the latter and I benefited greatly from it.
It was the opening game of the 1973 season for the Raytown South Cardinals. Raytown is a Kansas City, MO., suburb, just south of Arrowhead and Kaufmann stadiums on the city’s near east side. The Cards were starting a sophomore at quarterback against the North Kansas City Hornets. On the game’s opening drive, the southpaw is leading the Cards down the field and deep into opponent territory. Disaster struck. Pressured, the inexperienced rookie threw an ill-advised pass into the flat, it was intercepted and returned 100 yards for a touchdown.
What’s the old saying, “It’s a quick trip from the penthouse to the outhouse?” Well, I was living it then. While running off the field in shame and looking for a place to hide, instead I was greeted by a coach who had walked several steps onto the field. Mentor wanted to chat with pupil before downtrodden soul reached the bench. “You know what you did wrong don’t you?” I nodded in agreement. He then finished powerfully with, “I know it will never happen again.”
Vance Morris, when I really needed it, encouraged - offered hope and confidence - me! I had a chance, as Santa’s helper, to encourage all those kids and not just a few. No doubt this week, at home, work or elsewhere, there will be an opportunity for us to encourage others.
Let’s keep our reticular activating systems, thanks Billy Mac from Hackensack, on high alert this week for a chance to give hope and confidence to one another. Perhaps it’s a loved one battling illness, a friend with relationship struggles, a co-worker in financial hardship or other ailments. I met a homeless military veteran this week who is trying like heck to get back on his feet. Victory is trying like heck to help him. Consternation knows no boundaries and comes when, and where, least expected.
This much we do know, an encouraging word can, no guarantees, help someone ride the storm out. It’s a gift far more valuable than anything Santa, or one of his helpers, can deliver.
Shower others with encouraging words this week. They’re priceless gifts!
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