Not Everyone Gets a Trophy

We live in a world where we make up names of awards so no one feels left out. Where everyone's a winner. Everyone is excelling at something.

And, unfortunately, we minimize the adverse effects of defeat, 2nd place, and the need to try again. Instead, we elevate others' opinions, practices, or decision to walk away when their preferences aren't embraced.

What kind of culture are we creating? To believe that someone's self-esteem, the need for tolerance of their attitudes and behavior, or re-creating the rules for their unique circumstances should be the motivating factor for excellence and success.

Not everyone gets a trophy!

Commitment, discipline, endurance. It's developing those traits along with the right attitude and physical ability that will lead to a successful path of some intended end.

Half-hearted commitment that sways with the winds of criticism and personal comfort will not lead to success. Lack of discipline that will not put in the work required to develop those skills will not result in success. Short-sightedness that easily gives up when the work becomes difficult will not lead to ultimate success.

But really, when you think about today, Memorial Day, there's a greater prize to be embraced. Our trophy, our freedom is being held in honor today. But not everyone gets to hold that trophy.

Why?

Because they're commitment, discipline, and endurance was put on display that you and I could hold the trophy high today. We owe so much to them for the fight they had to never give up, to put our preferences ahead of their own, to see the mission through to the end even though it cost them their very lives; what a great sacrifice.

But there's also another One who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The trophy of real freedom is on display in the form of an empty cross and empty tomb. While on earth He was never privileged to hold high above His head a trophy. If anything, He accepted last place by holding a towel and bowl of water.

And to see what we've gained by these people, by that One person willing to negate ever holding a trophy; life and freedom! So, today, may we be grateful for the enduring sacrifice of these brave men and women offering their lives for our freedom.

Perhaps a fitting remark for today would be the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." And today, given the ultimate sacrifice of God's Son Jesus on the cross, it would also be fitting to say, "Since Jesus took up His cross for me, how now may I take up my cross and follow Him??!!"

While many of us are trying to conjure up a way to win our next trophy, our next prize, maybe we should stop to see that we all have the most amazing trophy we could ever hope to attain in the sacrifice of those who have gone before; life and freedom!