“Halo, halo!” exalted the aging, chunky and chalky white dude who had leapt from a sitting position in exuberance over another fantastic play from the Denver East High School volleyball team.
Two women seated nearby looked at this guy like he was crazy. One was the man’s darling fiancee, the other, a former wife and mother to this simple dude from Missouri’s precious daughter, a setter for the improving Angels. By the way, daughter, who was on the court had the usual, “Dad you’re SO WEIRD!” look on her beautiful face.
Guilty as charged.
What struck most from observing coach Tarah Sponenberg’s team on another rainy Saturday during the Centennial State’s terrible floods of 2013, was this: The great plays were coming in games that the team eventually lost. But the defeats were coming at the hands of two outstanding squads ranked among Colorado’s best in girls’ volleyball: Grandview and Mountain Vista.
In losing, the Angels were gaining greatly. You could see their confidence growing throughout the day. They stood toe-to-toe with the best and held their own. Vast improvement from a year ago. The only teams that beat Denver East in this tournament were the tournament’s top two of of 12. Impressive. The victories were decisive in winning the consolation championship
Sitting there with other parents and encouraging daughters to “keep fighting” against the powerful teams reminded me about our respective journeys on this roller coaster known as life. We have the opportunity to learn greatly from setbacks. To become students of the experiences of our lives and not victims of the circumstances. It’s something we discuss in every live Pep Talk presentation.
In this case, despite getting beat, the Angels were beginning to realize that with a little more practice and discipline, they can play with the big girls. They were using the experience to learn and become superior to their former selves. They did have a choice between using the setbacks as a booster shot or allowing the setback to spread a pessimistic, “We’re never going to be able to beat those teams” type of spirit. Good for them that they appear to be choosing the former. Good for the girls, they have a coach who would never allow the former to happen under her watch. East is on the rise in volleyball.
What about our lives? Could there be situations perceived as setbacks right now that with a different perspective, could actually be transformed into a springboard to future success? Home, work or elsewhere?
To steal some lines from fellow motivational speaker/writer Andy Peeke, for this young volleyball team it’s about “Believing in yourself, having a superior attitude and figuring it out.” Amen, buddy.
It makes me think of the guys at the Denver Rescue Mission. I hang with them every Thursday morning and encourage them to achieve goals and overcome challenges. One of my favorite moments in our time together takes place at the beginning of each chapel service, when I ask the following question, “Did anybody expect to be living at the Denver Rescue Mission on - fill in the date?” The answer is usually demonstrated, not verbalized, with a solemn shaking of their heads.
But then I query, “Okay, none of us expected to be here, but here we are. Let’s make the most of it!” It’s about believing in ourselves, maintaining a superior attitude and figuring it out. Yep. The venues may change, but the strategies, at least in my opinion, remain the same. Will the setbacks of life - physical, emotional or financial - become springboards to the future or anchors to the past?
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages, it’s our choice. Choose wisely.
We can do it, too. It ain’t gonna be easy. Wherever you roam this week, try like heck to use setbacks as springboards. Believe in yourself, your team, your business, your church, your non-profit, your school, your family and all the rest. Maintain a superior attitude and figure it out.
After winning the consolation championship, the East Angels, as a team, watched the tournament championship battle. It was played in a jam-packed main gymnasium. The battle pitted the only two teams to have conquered this young and maturing unit. They now realize they can dwell in that arena. Winners.
The old man was not invited to join but on his way to the car, in celebration of a great day of volleyball, did bellow one more time, “Halo, halo!”
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