EVERYBODY Deserves

 “Who is it that I aspire to be? That is the question we should be asking of ourselves all the time.”  Mr. Browne, Movie: Wonder, 2017.

A couple of years ago, I came to watch this movie and while the credits were rolling, I ordered the book by R. J. Palacio. Something began to grow in my heart and now it’s time to set this idea free.

It's hard for me to believe that anyone hesitates to improve themselves.  I think it's universal that we aspire to some kind of greatness.  We strive for better.  And we spend a good deal of money to do it.

• Brand Minds
• Market Research.com

There are times when we succeed. It happens in our work lives, it happens in our home lives, it happens in our spiritual lives.  And sometimes, it happens in all three at once.

Although most of us will never admit it, we normally react well to an atta-boy during our journeys. 

Putting together the idea of a nearly manic search for self-improvement together with the concept of an acknowledgment of "well done" and voila - today's #Groupsof10 is born. 

Most of the self-help material that I have been exposed to is good advice, but it centers nearly exclusively on everyone's favorite topic; the personal pronoun me.  

Today's exercise is focused on the pronoun, you.

Proposal: Everybody Deserves, #Groupsof10

I think that during our lives, we have many opportunities to see something magnanimous - some action done for another that just seems extraordinary. I believe that these things happen all around us all of the time - if only we would take the time to notice. 

Most likely, if you asked the person supplying the gift, they'd be surprised if you called it above and beyond. They'd just say something like, "I only did what anyone would do." Humility - and they've done it again! 

I am going to encourage everyone to keep their eyes open.  Notice when the extraordinary happens between people.  Then consider gathering a group of people together to offer encouragement, thanksgiving, and admiration for the selfless acts being done for others by individuals or groups - people you know or strangers.

Then plan a little event to honor the person or group.  

• Give them a standing ovation!  
• Present them with the (pictured) artwork of applause. 
• Let them know how important they are.  
• Let them know that you value their heart and their willingness to step up for another human. 
• Let them know how much they are loved. 
• Capture this ceremony on video and send it to Sandals and a Stick so that we can all celebrate with you and the honoree.

More information is available in the links below.

“Then again, maybe that’s kind of the point. Maybe the truth is, I’m really not so ordinary.  Maybe if we knew what other people were thinking we’d know that no one’s ordinary, and we all deserve a standing ovation at least once in our lives. My friends do. My teachers do. My sister does for always being there for me. My dad does for always making us laugh.  And my mom does the most, for never giving up, on anything. Especially, me. It’s like that last precept Mr. Browne gave us. Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle. And if you really want to see what people are, all you have to do is look.” Auggie Pullman after receiving the Henry Beecher Medal, Movie: Wonder, 2017

 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." Romans 15:2

"So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..."  Ephesians 4:11-12

Informative Links

• Sandals and a Stick, #Groupsof10: Everybody Deserves   More information on website
• Wonder, 2017: Final Scene - You have to watch this one.
• Wonder, 2017: Official Trailer - To get a feel of what this movie is about.
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio - Amazon 
• The Flame Room (Minneapolis Tribune)
• The story of the Golden Strings

An example from my life.

Once upon a time, decades ago, a high school senior had a desire to celebrate a girl’s birthday at his favorite restaurant. Without question, this place created the most romantic venue ever possible. Called “The Flame Room” and located in the Radisson Hotel, this place served to transport one from downtown Minneapolis to a mythical world surrounded by lights, flames, and the sound of strolling violins all while dining on well, Lobster Thermidor (my typical order). 

On the stage, wall-mounted flames book-ended a grand piano which inaugurated a subdued and elegant atmosphere while serving as the backdrop to the formally dressed Minneapolis Gold Strings Orchestra as they gracefully floated around the diners experiencing stereophonic melodies. This ensemble of musicians could make you feel like you were attending the wedding of a princess or sitting in a garden surrounded by the song of a million birds. 

Minneapolis Tribune

It was here that the soon-to-graduate student dreamed of celebrating an important occasion. The roadblock was a simple matter of cash. Lamenting to a friend, a solution was crafted.  

The good and the bad.

The good news. A retail window would be provided that would serve to entice someone to buy a full set of used golf clubs with a barrel bag - the prize possession of this high-school senior. This would supply the needed funds.

The bad news. A retail window would be provided that would serve to entice someone to buy a full set of used golf clubs with a barrel bag - the prize possession of this high-school senior. This would supply the needed funds.

Approval was granted and the sale was completed.  Money in hand, the celebration became a night to remember. And, since this was a winter birthday event, the loss wasn't felt quite yet.

Spring arrived. 

The loss is now real.  But a hero swooped in to save the day. There, standing in front of me, my friend held the golfclubs comfortably ensconced in the barrel-bag.  His smile was blinding. The clubs had never been sold.  This friend, this angel had decided that he would gift the money for the dinner and save the clubs until the Minnesota winter had exited in favor of those birds.  Knowing I would never accept the gift, he thought it best to manage the transaction in this manner.

FIFTY years ago - I have never forgotten.  The girl is long gone and never knew of the intentional sacrifice. This friend hasn't been seen for more years than I can remember.  But his gift will live in the realm of self-sacrificing love of one for another, forever. 

In spirit, I am awarding this trophy to a forever friend that lives 750 miles away.  Perhaps one day, I'll do this in person.  

You probably know of similar stories.  Do something.  Do it now.  You'll never forget, but your angel should know how you feel.  Order the applauding hands and celebrate soon!