As I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) I have just returned from broadcasting a ball game. Now, before I go any farther, I know some people will read this and think I am being negative, but quite the contrary, I am being very positive. Some will read this and think, "he's talking about me" well, if you think that, then maybe you are feeling guilty about something, I don't know. But honestly, there are so many stories of how "bad" our youth is these days, I think it's time to hear about something good that some youth have done.
I will admit, that when I leave a gym, more often than not, I will receive a text or email or some sort of communication, it has even been a voicemail left during the game because people know I can't answer my phone. And also more often than not, the sender goes to great lengths to remain anonymous. Why? Because the message is negative. "Why did you do that game instead of this one?" "Why didn't you get excited when this team did that?" "I can tell you don't like this person because of how you said his name." "You suck" (yes, I got a text telling me that a couple of years ago). And I am too tired to type all the negative comments I have received.
I realize as a semi public figure I open myself to those type comments. I openly give out my cell phone number and email address on the air so people can contact me. I am not complaining. At all. I take those comments with a grain of salt and move on.
Today, however, was a bit different. It wasn't a very good day for me. I didn't feel well, at all, I didn't sleep well, I had to work today as my Uncle Bill was being laid to rest. And after an 8 hour work day, I got in the truck and drove to climb up a staircase/ladder to do a ball game. It was a good game, I felt I did a decent job. I left the gym and headed home. Then my phone blew up with texts. "Well crud! What did I do now?!" I did verbally say those exact words. Well, no texting and driving, but my son called and said he needed gas, could I stop and get him some. Sure!
After pumping gas into his car, I got back in the truck to "face the music" of whatever I had said or didn't say or what ire inflection of my voice has raised this time. I read the first one and had to rub my eyes a bit to take another look. It read, "Just wanted to thank you for being at our game tonight. Nobody else cares enough to put us on the radio. Your the best!" (Yes, I know she should have used you're but I knew what she meant). Well, no matter what the other texts say, I was feeling pretty good. But text after text gave the same sentiment. "Thank you" Players, parents, grandparents, listeners. Not one negative comment and "thank you" after "thank you" And many of them from players or students. Nice, appreciative young people. Yes, they do exist! As a matter of fact, there are a great more of them out there than you think. I converse with them just about every day.
I am pretty sure the truck floated back to Radio Hill. It was so refreshing to be appreciated. I know many people people appreciate what we do. I know there are many more people who appreciate what we do than those who want and do complain. It just sure was nice to hear from them for a change.
I challenge you to show appreciation to people you don't usually thank. Find your school or church custodian and thank them for their hard work. Thank the convenience store worker who will be working on Christmas so you can get gas and a Slim Jim. Those people you take for granted, tell them how much you appreciate what they do.
Appreciation and encouragement sure does feel good sometimes. I know I feel pretty good right now.
God bless and have an amazing day!!
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