Based on a true story . . .
Nobody loves motivational quotes more than I do. But be very careful because every once in a while you’ll find a quote that might sound good but isn’t true. And if you believe that quote, it might actually do some harm.
Let me tell you a story . . .
It was the most important Little League game of Eric’s life. He was 11 years old and his team, the Pirates, was playing the Giants in the championship game.
It was the bottom of the sixth inning and the Pirates were ahead 2-1. But the Giants had the bases loaded with two outs and their best hitter was at bat.
He hit an easy fly ball to Bobby, the Pirate’s right fielder. Bobby circled under the ball as everyone held their breath. The ball fell into his glove and then bounced out of it. Bobby picked up the ball off the ground and by the time he decided where to throw it, two Giants had scored.
Final score:
Giants 3
Pirates 2
It would be “wait until next year” for the Pirates.
As the Pirates moped off the field, something totally unexpected happened. Their manager started yelling and screaming at Bobby. “You lost the game for us. You cost us the championship!”
Bobby started crying and ran off the field and vanished into the woods.
After the game, Eric went to meet his parents in the parking lot. Eric’s dad wasn’t there. Mom said he had something to do. As they were driving home, Eric saw something that startled him.
Way in the distance, he saw his dad walking Bobby home. His dad had his arm around the kid who probably felt like he didn’t have a friend in the world.
Eric never forgot the kindness his dad showed that evening.
As the years passed, whenever Bobby saw Eric’s dad, he always greeted him warmly because he’s never forgotten either.
So whenever I hear this type of story, I think of this quote . . .
Winning is not the only thing,
it’s everything.
This quote makes my blood boil because the manager in this story actually believed that this quote was true. He actually believed that winning an insignificant Little League game was everything and that the feelings of a fragile 11-year-old boy were nothing.
The truth of the matter is that winning is not the only thing. Winning is not everything.
Real winners don’t necessarily hit home runs and make spectacular catches. Real winners know how to be kind. Eric’s dad was a winner.
Here’s a quote that’s true and won’t do any harm . .
Winning is not the only thing,
but kindness is everything.
Thanks for reading my story,
Rob Gilbert
