Sometimes, all it takes to succeed is to just stay on our feet just a few seconds longer than everyone else. I don’t have to be the smartest or the strongest, I just have to stay at the task after everyone else has given up. On the days that I don’t “feel” up to it, I just push through it. As in sports, suiting up and showing up matters.

If I choose a negative attitude and stay in my jammies all day, there is no way I’ll be successful. If I suit up and show up, even a mustard seed-size talent can grow into something useful. As a sports fan, these analogies resonate with me and they work in all areas of my life: family, faith, business.

I am not extraordinary. In fact, quite the opposite is true. I have no college degrees or exceptional skills, but I am a hard worker. I don’t quit. Now, there are some mighty tough days where I might sit on the bench and catch my breath, but I’m not one to quit. This has been one of the greatest gifts in my life! It works in a marriage, in all relationships and in business and personal goals.

Jim Burks, a friend from school, is a coach in Lampasas and he has this sign that reads “It does not take talent to HUSTLE”. Wow! That’s the truth!

My team is counting on me. Who is my team? My husband, my kids, my family and friends – they are all counting on me to do my part. If I’m going to be on the team, then I need to get out there and give it all I’ve got.

Which reminds me of something I was told at my wedding, right before I walked down the aisle: “Give it all you’ve got, honey.” I was sixteen years old and a friend’s mom had her hands on my shoulders and was looking deeply into my eyes. If you only knew how many times her words played through my mind in those first few years! In the middle of a disagreement, I’d think “I’m not giving this all I’ve got.”

Thirty-five years later, I’m thankful for those words of wisdom. My dear friend, Sharlan Proper, is a music artist and she composed a song “Give It All You’ve Got”, based on this part of my story. Go check it out on Amazon. I just listened to it again and the tears welled up. Oh, what I would have forfeited if I’d given up! When our first daughter got married, I remember telling all of our kids, “You don’t realize what a gift your dad and I gave you by staying together.”

However, this blog isn’t just about marriage. It’s about life. It’s about being the best we can be on a personal level and then ultimately being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Lucille Ball was willing to do what it took to be successful. She was a hard worker and she didn’t have any “quit” in her. When I read this quote of hers, what comes to mind? She was hilarious! Those eyes! Those zany situations she created! Vitameatavegamin! (If you’ve never seen that clip, go watch it NOW! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AZK2-Tfc84)

Nonetheless, what did she see in her journey? She saw hard work and a willingness to step out and step up. She had to push through her fear. She saw herself as brave.

She suited up and she showed up.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to give up in various situations, but I have gotten up, got dressed for success and showed up with a smile on my face, ready to do some work. It’s amazing that it always…and I do mean always…ends up being better than I expected.

Today, be brave!

Hustle!

Give it all you’ve got!

The Good Book has something to say about this, doesn’t it? Romans 5 has these words “we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

There’s certainly more to this story that we can get to later, but for today, just know that there is hope at the end of the hard things.

Have a groovy Friday, folks!