OUCH!

I've read a quite a bit lately about pressing on after failure, about getting back up after a fall, and about the difference between pausing and being paralysed. My own life has seen many moments of both.

Perseverance is a noble quality, highly encouraged and praised throughout the Bible. It is what causes the human race to not only survive, but also to constantly learn and - one would hope - improve. That never say die attitude has certainly caused many a victory in battle, whether it be war, sports, business, or in the spirit.

Today, however, I'm drawn to see another angle. (God is really working this Perspective thing in me!) Even though I have personally seen success and failure from every possible angle, I have never truly taken much time to view other people's successes and/or failures with the same thoughtfulness.

Oh, it is easy to analyze my own shortfalls and stamp them "Opportunities for Personal Growth". I have learned to classify my own trip-ups as "Lessons Learned". However, am I willing to give others that same benefit of the doubt? Do I believe that everyone else will, too, learn from their own mistakes?

More importantly, I am being challenged with this question: What am I doing to help?

Failure hurts! Falling down can be dangerous. I remember seeing this every Sunday afternoon (as memory serves...it was 1978, after all):



While we all LOVE the thrill of victory, that agony of defeat thing is downright painful! Yes, sometimes it is the agony that inspires us to press forward and ultimately achieve the thrill, but the agony must be endured.

When I think of all the agony I have personally endured, I am most grateful for the precious few people who were involved with my recovery. Those who carried me to the sidelines and stayed with me until help arrived. Those who provided First Aid, quickly taking care of my immediate needs. Those who bound up my wounds, set my broken bones, made sure my airway was clear, and kept me warm. Those who monitored my vital signs, sitting up during the dark nights watching over me. Those who were there to welcome me when I came "home". And those who pushed me during the long days and months of rehabilitation.

To those people, I will be forever grateful. For I am now truly ready for the thrill of victory!

"Lord, open my eyes to see a fallen one; to see where I may be of assistance; and to see the victory in every person hiding just beyond the agony. Amen."