Inspiring real victory

Bob Cousy. I only knew the name because of my dad. When I was a kid, my dad used to dribble around me and lay up the ball and say, "There's another basket for Cousy." I wasn't a basketball fan so it was years later that I actually found out Cousy was a hall of fame player for the Boston Celtics.

When I heard the Celtics won the NBA Championship last night I thought of my dad. It is funny how the things we do and say have a lasting impact on others. Many times we do them without even thinking. I am sure my dad doesn't even remember those times but I do.

It is things like this that help me understand that the little things we do today can make a lasting impact on someone's life. When we share ourselves, our love, our time, it can affect someone's self image and worth. It tells them that they are important. When we share something as big as the Gospel it can have a ripple effect that transforms a person and his world.

Today I celebrate my fiftieth birthday. For me it is a time to take stock in my life. One of the things I am doing this week is reflecting on the people who have made an impression on me. These are the people who have touched me and changed my life for the better. We all have them in our lives.

The goal is not to live in the past and have good memories. I am sure the Celtics are happy to have Bob Cousy, Bill Russell and Larry Bird around but winning a championship today is what they really live for. So it is with us. We are called to share the love and inspiration we have received from these special people with others. We are called to make our own impact today by giving and sharing of ourselves. That is where the sweet taste of victory comes back and blesses us and those who went before.

So Go Celtics! Let them inspire you to your own greatness as you bring glory to God.

Cal