When You Have a Chance…
Many of you know of my love of sports. I love to play sports, watch sports, talk about sports. There are sports I enjoy more than others, but overall I love the competition, the story lines and the drama that ensues when competitors step into the ring, track, ice, field or pitch. There are endless story lines that ensue and many times the result is a competitor or team pushing their own limits and reaching a new level of success.
This past weekend, April and I got a chance to attend one of the events on my sports bucket list. (Yes, I’ve got a list of sporting events that I would like to attend in person.) We made our way to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby and it exceeded our expectations on many levels. The whole experience was incredible. The food, the outfits, the hospitality, the energy and two full days of horse racing. Yes I said “two”. Prior to attending, I didn’t realize that the Friday before the Derby is the Kentucky Oaks, along with a series of horse races throughout the day at Churchill Downs.
On Saturday despite a chill in the air, the whole place was buzzing from 10am on in anticipation of the big race as a capacity crowd of over 150,000 people was welcomed back for the first time since the pandemic. All of the excitement culminated with a two minute race Saturday evening and one of the biggest upsets in Derby history. A horse named, Rich Strike, who wasn’t even entered into the race until another horse scratched on Friday morning, pulled away at the end to beat the favorites by three quarters of a length . He wasn’t just a “long shot”, he was the horse least expected to win at 80-1 odds. Compound this with the fact that the trainer for the horse, Eric Reed, had his first horse in the Derby AND almost left the sport entirely five years ago after losing over 20 horses in a barn fire, and you’ve got all the makings for movie script with a fairy tale ending.
There are times when we find ourselves in the right place at the right time. Often these situations aren’t purely happen stance, but rather a culmination of events that create a door of opportunity for us to walk through. This story of an underdog highlights the importance of preparation, belief in one’s self, and persistence in the face of adversity. At an early age, I emphasized with my kids the importance of seizing opportunities. I often ask them; “When someone gives you a chance, what do you do?” To which they respond; “You take it, Daddy!”
I think we can all take this lesson and apply it to both ourselves and the people around us. Is there someone on your team or in your life that needs a chance? An opportunity to step up and show what they are capable of? And are you putting yourself in a position to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves? We never know when or where they might show up, so we have to be ready at any time. Ready to “take it!” the next time someone gives you a chance. Even against long odds, it just might be your day to come out on top!
Back again by popular demand, we are creating one last opportunity in 2022 for those who missed this unforgettable
2-day experience to find community, strength,
and Heart Leadership skills!