Hail to those in the arena

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”—Theodore Roosevelt

This is one of my favorite quotes, and it seems appropriate as we all approach the new year and consider resolutions or goals. Roosevelt salutes those who are willing to put themselves on the line, get involved, take a shot and even dare risk it all for the chance of victory. These are the people who are not content with sitting in the stands doing nothing more than flapping their jaws, complaining and criticizing those on the field who, win or lose, are at least bold enough to suit up and get in the game. Instead, these cowardly critics often have lives whose quality is determined by the success or failure of others they sit and watch compete.

Everyone in the stands or on the sidelines could change their future, their purpose and their impact—and feel better about themselves—but that would require action and taking the risk of getting in the arena.

Being “in the arena” can come in many forms in 2012 and is available to everyone reading this. It might be volunteering for a worthy cause instead of just talking about the plight of others. It could be starting a business from an idea you have dreamed about for years. (Entrepreneurs are some of the greatest gladiators in the arena.) It might be running for office or supporting someone who is. (Many of the critics of the system and politicians don't even bother to vote.) It might be offering to help at your local school by teaching a child to read or lobbying the Legislature for school reforms instead of complaining about the problems of public education.

Of course, you might fail. You could lose. You might get rejected. Or you could experience the victory of making a difference in your community, while impacting lives for the better—of focusing on others instead of yourself. Now can you tell me that is not worth the risk? Even if it doesn't work out as you had hoped, there is honor in the effort. There is dignity in your desire to make a difference and help others. You must choose not to be one of the complaining and cowardly spectators who never attempt to do anything. Instead, you could know the exhilaration of stepping into the arena so that your place “shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Have no regrets in 2012. Don't listen to the skeptics and the critics, and certainly don't join them. It's a waste of your time and oxygen. If you don't like something, then set out to change it. You might succeed because you work hard, but certainly not because you're a blowhard.

This could be your year. Make up your mind now to enter the arena and go for it!

Tebow is in the arena

I bet Teddy Roosevelt would have loved Tim Tebow. I know Roosevelt wasn't thinking about an NFL quarterback when he wrote the words quoted at the beginning of this column, but Tebow certainly embodies their spirit.

While he is the first to say he just plays a game, this guy's character, faith and devotion to others, on and off the field, and his understanding of what really matters, should be admired by all.

These days, I see some disturbing trends in our country, whereby we no longer want anything but comic book superheroes as our role models. It's as if we have become so jaded and cynical that we assume there are no really good people in the world, only ones whose flaws haven't been “found out” yet. We tear down instead of build up, show pessimism instead of optimism.

So along comes Tebow, a handsome Heisman Trophy winner, starting quarterback in the NFL and devout Christian, who does mission work during the summers and is building a hospital in the Philippines. He brings handicapped kids to the games and visits terminally ill patients to lift their spirits. And he kneels down or points up to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the source of his success, and speaks about it after winning games (something he has done a lot of lately, despite all the predictions of disaster by the “experts”). Sounds like a role model to me.

The national debate going on among Tebow fans and Tebow “haters” is somewhat amazing, disturbing and intriguing all at once. Here is a good guy who comes from a family of missionaries and who has worked hard and succeeded. He just wants to play football and win with his teammates. He helps others and gives back. And he is true to his faith and not ashamed about it. Shouldn't we respect that and applaud him—instead of criticize and despise him?

Frank Bruni, an op-ed editor with The New York Times, just can't understand the intensity of the ridicule toward Tebow and his Christianity, especially when compared to other NFL athletes “accused repeatedly of sexual assault, or players actually convicted of burglary, gun possession and other crimes. In a league full of blithe felons, Tebow and his oppressive piety don't seem like such horrendous affronts at all.”

What is wrong with a society that now trashes the good guy and idolizes the trashy guy? That's simply sickening. The only way it can be explained is the trashy guy sets the bar really low so lots of folks can easily step over. In contrast, Tebow sets the bar high and average folks just don't measure up, and instead of being inspired to improve, it's easier just to ridicule and criticize and hope he fails, thereby letting them off the hook. That's sad.

But Tebow has his fans, too. One is a former NFL player who tells it like it is. Rich Campbell, former quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, wrote online for Scripps TCPalm.com, “I have never witnessed a more compelling, entertaining, unbelievable, dramatic—and emotionally satisfying—football story than the one unfolding this season in Denver.”

Then he wrote what many people think, me included: “Here's the beauty of Tebow: He doesn't care what anyone thinks or says about him. He plays football—and lives his life—to please only one master. Not his teammates or his coaches, his fans or even himself, but his God. I've never met the man, but I get the impression he would be just as content serving as a missionary in a Third World country as he is playing quarterback for the Broncos.”

The former quarterback concluded, “Tebow is the antithesis of the prototypical NFL quarterback. He also is the antithesis of the typical, self-absorbed professional athlete. He is an outstanding young man and a genuine role model. How refreshing in a society starved for authenticity.”

Tebow is no comic book hero. He's the real thing. Because, no matter how many games Denver wins this season, or what any of his critics say, Tim Tebow will always be a winner. He knows what the real game is about and who keeps the score. And that's all that matters to him. Amen to that.