To achieve excellence we must go the extra mile; do more than what is asked. Yet often I think satan uses our known inadequacies to keep us from making the effort to give our best effort.
In contrary to what many may believe, excellence does not necessarily mean the absence of mistakes, but it does mean the presence of determination. A person who strives for excellence doesn't give up when faced with criticism, nor does he avoid the task for fear of failure. To be excellent, one must first determine to accomplish the task with the best effort he can give and then make it his goal to endure to the end.
In my opinion, a great modern day example of excellence can be found in a young man by the name of Tim Tebow. If you haven't heard of him by now, check your pulse it's possible you may be dead. (Just kidding!) Tebow is the handsome, devoted, outspoken Christian quarter back who played for the Denver Broncos, currently plays for the New Your Jets and formally a Florida gator. He isn't perfect; his critics would say he didn't deserve to be drafted into the NFL. They would argue his techniques are flawed and they projected he would crumble under pressure. Yet, I think that's exactly why the world is so attracted to Tim Tebow, because he is real. Yes he has made a few bad plays in his profession, he has often been publicly scrutinized by his haters, but he continues to get back up determined to become even a better player than the season before. His drive to give his best and his determination to stay focused through adversity, is motivating. Through it all, he still acknowledges Jesus Christ as his first priority.
I'm very thankful for Tim Tebow and the life example he is to so many. When we strive for excellence, keep our focus and align our priorities in the right order we will eventually make the ordinary seem extra ordinary and hopefully encourage others to follow on the same path.
Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us in whatever we do to "work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward."
Blessings, Polly
This is a wonderful and inspiring article Polly!
ReplyDeleteI have read Tim Tebow's book "Through My Eyes". In high school, Tebow had one coach tell him he wasn't quarterback material (or something that effect). Tebow (who was home-schooled) changed schools and went on to be among the top quarterback prospects in the nation as a high school senior. He then helped the Florida Gators win a National Championship in 2006 and again in 2008. In 2007 he was the first college sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and was nominated again the very next year. He has more awards than I can even remember.
I told you all that to emphasis his dedication and perseverance in spite of those that constantly belittle him or tell him he can't! His life and everything he does is centered around Jesus Christ!
Thank you Polly for writing this! He is truly a wonderful role model! Sally Raburn