Whatever You Do, Be Excellent At It

I am a believer in "Good, Better, Best." I realized a couple of years ago that I physically CANNOT do it all. I cannot simultaneously be Wonder-woman and She-ra, and that is okay. I just need to decide what is most important to me, after analyzing the whole picture, and focus on those things. Some things that seem important are just not important. (like having white teeth)

That said, these days I just don't feel like I'm excellent at anything. You could say I'm the anti-excellent. I'm excellent at being in my PJ's until 5pm. I'm excellent at letting my kids make a mess and not cleaning it up.

A couple of weeks ago, (okay, okay, it was a couple of months ago, I'm just getting around to it...see what I say about excellent?) coaches from the BYU and U of U football teams came to our school as part of a week focused on reading. We barely dragged ourselves there, since Miguel had to work late that night. They read a favorite story to the kids. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed at the lack of respect shown while we were there. One could hardly hear them read, even though they had a microphone. People seemed more interested in getting their autographs than listening to what they said about the importance of reading.

I could tell the BYU quarterback coach, Brandon Doman, was tired too, and though I'm sure he believes in what he was doing, had probably dragged himself there too. He had come with two of his kids, who were being a little rambunctious. He seemed worn out and ready to go home.

But I could also tell just by looking at him that he is a good guy. And his kids, though rambunctious, looked well-cared for. He lit up a bit when someone asked him if he liked playing football. He said it was the most fun thing he had ever done. He also shared his belief that excellence is important. He said, "whatever you do, be excellent at it." Having had my brief stint in college sports, I understand how gruelling it can be. I also understand how difficult it is to balance sports with school, which he had also accomplished.

He left out the back door during the crazy last few minutes of the program, looking as tired as he did when he came. I wondered if he felt the time he had taken that night to inspire young people in school and sports had been a waste. But I left feeling inspired, that in my little corner of the world, I may not be doing things of consequence to many people, but I can still do my best. And those times when it seems no one is listening are sometimes the most important times to share ourselves with others-- even if it only helps one tired mom back on her feet.