what is good

My desire is to always advocate for integrity — to embrace and promote what is good and true and right — in society, sports, politics, you-name-it. While willing to wrestle with all issues and events and never shy from a scenario, sometimes we must be more intentional in focusing on what is good.

And so when I came to my keyboard this day, originally contemplating how to entwine the current stories surrounding quarterback Tom Brady and candidate Hillary Clinton, there was a bit of an internal struggle. (Put all Patriot and partisan hats aside, friends; I’m seeking objectivity.) I am fascinated that both Tom and Hillary are (1) revered by many, (2) have attained positions of unparalleled influence, (3) are highly intelligent, (4) have been caught in lies, and (5) are now not forthcoming with the truth. Why are they quiet? Is the truth worse than the lie? And does the intent of their deception in any way disqualify them from the future position they each desire to hold — be that behind the walls of Canton’s famed hall or on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?

While it’s no secret that I am not a New England fan, hater, nor a desirer of another “Bush” or “Clinton” in the White House again soon (I desire fresher ideas, friends), remember that the Intramuralist always advocates for integrity. We are seeing some cracks which should prompt the at least posing of questions regarding character — as opposed to marginalizing the lies because of our fandom. I know that’s a tough position — especially when you admire the person so much (… said by this lifelong Pete Rose fan).

Yet as stated at the beginning of today’s post, sometimes we must be intentional in focusing on what is good, and after my morning yesterday, the questions regarding quarterbacks and candidates easily went away.

Yesterday was the Special Olympics in our area. In a large high school stadium, athletes from across the city came to compete in various track and field events. It was clear from the onset, that this was special. So much about the event was different than the typical games we all play — in society, sports, politics, you-name-it. And so much about this was good…

• Age and race did not matter.
• Speed and style did not matter.
• All athletes were celebrated.
• All athletes were congratulated.
• All placements were celebrated.
• And it was also ok to identify the specific placement of each athlete.

Nothing zapped the joy of these athletes. It was a day in which they felt special — knowing and feeling their life was nothing lesser. This was good.

Two moments struck me as especially profound, no less. First was when the national anthem began to play and the athletes and crowd stood together, with the majority singing along… when’s the last time you were some place where the crowd sang loudly and proudly along?

And second was the race of the young boy — maybe 11 or 12 — as he approached the finish line. Still some 10-15 feet away from the end, the boy began wildly waving his arms and running a bit more haphazardly. At first, I thought he was in pain, crying, and somehow upset. And then I saw his eyes — and saw how happy he was — all because he was about to finish in 4th place… 4th place.

Did I mention we must sometimes be more intentional in focusing on what is good?

Respectfully…

AR