As I write this, the Indianapolis Colts just edged out an emotional victory over the Green Bay Packers, 30-27. The Colts fell behind by 18 points at halftime and against the vaunted Packers, it seemed that the deficit was just too far to bridge. Yet after a furious second half rally the Colts scored the go ahead touchdown with under a minute remaining in the game.
What made the victory so emotional was not just the way the underdog Colts rallied back, but because just a few days ago Colts head coach Chuck Pagano announced that he was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently undergoing treatment. He is not expected to return to his coaching duties this season. In tribute to Pagano, interim head coach Bruce Arians will keep the lights on in Pagano's office until he returns.
What made the victory so emotional was not just the way the underdog Colts rallied back, but because just a few days ago Colts head coach Chuck Pagano announced that he was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently undergoing treatment. He is not expected to return to his coaching duties this season. In tribute to Pagano, interim head coach Bruce Arians will keep the lights on in Pagano's office until he returns.
Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano
I reflected on several things upon hearing the news that Coach Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia . . .
The first is this: Life has a way of changing the rules doesn't it?
One moment Coach Pagano and his staff is preparing for the game plan on defeating the Colts' next opponent; the next he is meeting with doctors on preparing a game plan for defeating leukemia. We have to prepare ourselves for the fact that life rarely plays out the way we want it to (believe me, I know!) and that as much as we can prepare, work, strive and reach, things will happen that forces everything to change.
The second is this: What am I really doing with our time?
Our time is valuable. We seem to think that time runs for everyone but ourselves don't we? So what are we doing with the time we have? Are we spending all of it accumulating; things that will break, achievements that will fade, homes that could lose their value, jobs and positions that could one day be taken from us?
The third is this: What legacy am I creating? What am I really living for?
The problem with focusing on stuff and titles and more stuff and other stuff is that it takes our eyes off of the real prize that we can all earn . . . the ability to create a legacy. The ability to invest in to and to serve people. The ability to help other people achieve their God-given potential. The ability to create meaningful and lasting relationships with people that we love.
Here is an excerpt from a letter from the Pagano Family:
". . . My condition will not determine my position. I understand the condition but choose to focus on my position. That is to stay positive and SERVE.
WE WILL, WE CAN, WE MUST. WE HAVE NO CHOICE. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. WE WILL OVERCOME.
IT'S ALL IN THE PROPER STATE OF MIND.
There is no better owner in the NFL, period! He has built an organization based on Faith, Family and Football. Don't ever mistake the ORDER.
We all have a job to do. We know and understand that. That's why we signed up for it. We knew there were going to be tough times. This is not for everybody, but I know deep in my heart we are all here because we're supposed to be. . . . "
One moment Coach Pagano and his staff is preparing for the game plan on defeating the Colts' next opponent; the next he is meeting with doctors on preparing a game plan for defeating leukemia. We have to prepare ourselves for the fact that life rarely plays out the way we want it to (believe me, I know!) and that as much as we can prepare, work, strive and reach, things will happen that forces everything to change.
The second is this: What am I really doing with our time?
Our time is valuable. We seem to think that time runs for everyone but ourselves don't we? So what are we doing with the time we have? Are we spending all of it accumulating; things that will break, achievements that will fade, homes that could lose their value, jobs and positions that could one day be taken from us?
The third is this: What legacy am I creating? What am I really living for?
The problem with focusing on stuff and titles and more stuff and other stuff is that it takes our eyes off of the real prize that we can all earn . . . the ability to create a legacy. The ability to invest in to and to serve people. The ability to help other people achieve their God-given potential. The ability to create meaningful and lasting relationships with people that we love.
Here is an excerpt from a letter from the Pagano Family:
". . . My condition will not determine my position. I understand the condition but choose to focus on my position. That is to stay positive and SERVE.
WE WILL, WE CAN, WE MUST. WE HAVE NO CHOICE. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. WE WILL OVERCOME.
IT'S ALL IN THE PROPER STATE OF MIND.
There is no better owner in the NFL, period! He has built an organization based on Faith, Family and Football. Don't ever mistake the ORDER.
We all have a job to do. We know and understand that. That's why we signed up for it. We knew there were going to be tough times. This is not for everybody, but I know deep in my heart we are all here because we're supposed to be. . . . "
Watching the performance of the Colts during this season it is apparent that Coach Pagano has taught his team many great lessons. But I think his reaction to what has happened and his ongoing desire to serve the people he leads may be the most impactful and meaningful one of his career.
Now it's your turn! What are you living for? What does success mean to you?
Now it's your turn! What are you living for? What does success mean to you?
