This is the #1 film I have used in my 100+ ideation/vision-casting sessions; the quintessential testimony to the concepts of Individual and team character in pursuit of an impossible dream.
“Hi sweetie.”
“Hi, Dad. Are you OK? Why are you speaking so quietly?”
“I’m actually in a meeting with a group of men and we’re watching a movie. Can I call you back later when it is over?”
“Sure…and by the way, it’s a boy!”
“Oh my gosh. A boy. Victoria, that is wonderful news. I am so happy for you both. Such a blessing.”
The next moments shattered a shower of celluloid memories:
· I remembered my notes as a small boy; leaving messages scattered throughout the house at night for my parents to find when they'd arrive home late at night; I would fall asleep in the feathers of their joyful discoveries;
· I remembered climbing Boulder’s foothills, sitting on a ledge with a six-year-old boy named John whose eyes blazed cobalt, stolen from the Colorado sky. We dreamed of all the undiscovered lands past the horizon. He is the man who is now “daddy” to my four-year-old grandson Kinley;
· I remembered losing our first child: stillborn in pre-term;
· I remembered the moment Victoria came into the world and was tenderly offered into my arms - her new life sheathed in the nectar of countless tomorrows;
· I remembered the picture of my Dad holding me high into the air when I was two-years-old. I still carry the tickle of that moment in my belly.
Before beginning the movie with the guys, I asked them the following questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What defines us as men?
2. What defines a great team?
3. What defines a great moment?
4. What defines a great opportunity?
5. How do you know when it’s your time?
So what? As leaders, followers, seekers, teachers and learners:
1. Braveheart, Band of Brothers (a must see), First Knight and Lord of the Rings are logical and socially promoted images of manhood. And John Eldridge’s wonderful book, Wild at Heart, and Dan B. Allander’s Leading with a Limp offer complementary perspectives that round out the “hunt, smash, bleed and kill a dragon” image us guys love. They both remind us that it is not only acceptable, but essential to embrace your meekness and sensitivity in expressing your full man-ness. I, for one, admit that I am very comfortable with my feminine side – c’mon guys, admit that you watched and loved Sleepless in Seattle. Any question about the masculinity of C.S. Lewis, Rembrandt, Ghandi, Moses or Jesus?
2. At some point it would be good to remember, as Herb Brooks so aptly reminds his fragmented hockey team, that “You’d better figure out that the name on the front of your jersey is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back.” If you are playing life’s game for your ends and outcomes only, consider the following: there is no way that any one of us can or will be better, smarter, more talented, more efficient and more effective than all of us together. No way, no how. Sure, it’s tempting to think that you are Superman; but remember that even he had Jimmy and Lois on the front lines to offset the blue tights thing;
3. “Great moments are born from great opportunities.” It matters little what position you play right now. There will be a time, sooner or later, that your great moment will open before you like the sapphire pathway up Mt. Sinai that God revealed to Moses after the food and fireworks show with the seventy elders (Exodus 24:9-11). Being fully present where you are and within what you are doing right now offers you a great opportunity to experience the fullness of this great moment; your moment to do it right, now. That takes a Brave Heart.
4. Read #3 again.
5. The time is there; it’s yours for the taking. Years ago one of the wise men in my life commented to my lamenting over the lack of respect from colleagues who were supposed to be taking direction from me. His comment still pierces today: “Brian, you must learn that power is never given to anyone; it is taken.” Take a moment. Take the time. Take the lead. Take the team. Take the mountain. This is your time. Take it.
Woman or man. Coach or player. It doesn't matter. What matters most is realizing that this very moment can begin the greatest moments of your life, if you take the time. High Impact time, leadership and success is never given; it's taken. Stop dwelling in the illusion of waiting for some "spare time" to do that thing you know in your heart and soul will make a difference. It's not coming. Start right now. Take "part" of your time to step out and take what is yours for the taking. It can and will make all the difference in the world.
Embraced in the brackets.
(b)
*FOOTNOTE:
It was my time; I didn’t take it. It is far easier, and often more painful, to look back at a seemingly innocent moment in our past that held the promise of riches beyond measure…and we let slip through our fingers. I leave you with one that I remember when my children were very young and I was absent a lot while “working hard to provide them the good life.”
I was on a business trip with a brief airport stop in Dallas. This was at a time when you still could come to the gate to meet a passenger; I invited my parents to come by so we could visit between flights. I hadn't seen them in a log time. We embraced, caught up, laughed and suddenly the time tapped its weary finger on my shoulder; it was time to board. We hugged again, and when I separated from my Dad’s embrace I saw something in his eyes; a longing and wish for more time. He was a traveling salesman and was absent a lot when I was a kid.
When I neared the end of the jet-way, I turned back and noticed their tear-swollen eyes. And then the moment was gone.
My father died eight years ago. He’s gone. I wish I had taken more time.
I remembered the picture of my Dad holding me high into the air when I was two-years-old. I still carry the tickle of that moment in my belly.
“This is your time. Now go out and take it.” Herb Brooks
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