Olympic Lesson #4

I don't know about you, but I was pretty excited that the U.S. and Canada hockey teams were playing for the Gold Medal. Although, after the first two goals by Canada, I got discouraged and turned off the television. When I returned to watch the highlights I couldn't beleive that the Americans had tied the score and the game had gone into overtime. What a nail-biter!

Then... I watched the Canadians score the winning goal. The U.S. goalie was down on his knees when the puck slipped passed him. In wretched despair he fell to his face on the ice. I can imagine the defeated thoughts that poured into his mind at that moment.

Afterward, a reporter managed to pull the goalie aside for an interview. You could tell he didn't want to answer any questions. His eyes were glazed over and he didn't smile once. It was hard to watch. I really felt sorry for him.

Much to my surprise and relief, later that evening at the closing ceremonies, they captured that same goalie walking into the stadium laughing and chatting with his friends while recording what was happening around him. I almost didn't recognize him until the announcer pointed him out. He was a completely different person -- almost Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-ish. I was so impressed with his RESILLIANCE!

We will all, at one time or another, face failure in our lives. The hard part comes in accepting it, learning from it, moving on, and knowing it will be okay. The lesson for me to work on is -- to love myself enough to realize that no matter what happens in life, I will still be me (hopefully wiser) and that is enough.

Congratulations, Canada, for showing the world that you are still the masters of hockey! And thank you, U.S. hockey goalie, for not letting this defeat really defeat you. In such a well-played game, it's hard for me to declare a loser.

CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS!!!