Winning Words 4/4/13
“It’s never as good as it seems and never as bad as it seems.”  (Thad Matta)  This quote seems to be a favorite among coaches, especially after a loss.  However, I find it interesting that the words originate in another context, appearing in the book, “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” They really make sense when applied to the life situations described by author Harper Lee.  Perhaps they even make sense in your world.    ;-)  Jack

  FROM WALMART REV:  "Hills and valleys, Jack, hills and valleys! Life is full of hills and valleys!" It kind of goes with, “It’s never as good as it seems and never as bad as it seems.” Seemingly, anyways!////JACK:  The psalmist writes: "Yea, though I walk through the valley....I lift up my eyes to the hills."

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  I think that the temporal nature of Man and all things in the World is what makes this quote relevant. Nothing lasts for forever...not the pain of loss nor the joy of victory, achievement, or satisfaction. It is all vanity (as Solomon would say). If anyone needs a "reason" to believe in God, there's one for you. Speaking of forever and the one incidence of overcoming the temporal: He is risen!////JACK:  The "vanity" reference from Ecclesiastes certainly makes the point.  The "resurrection" gives hope to those who are overcome with despair.  There is more....

 FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I disagree with the "It's never as good as it seems".....but I agree with it's never as bad as it seems.  We are truly blessed each and everyday!  The blessings or "good" seem to gather as more and more of the day goes by.  This isn't everyday, obviously, but I would say most days.  It's all on how you look at yourself and the things happening around you.////JACK:  It's a quote that has its application in each individual situation.  I think that it's right from Harper Lee's point of view and from Thad Mata's situation (winning or losing a basketball game).  Yes, with the wide angle lens, life is good-er!

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  A VERY GOOD POINT TO KEEP IN MIND!  "TRAGEDY IS WHEN I GET A PAPER CUT ON MY FINGER. COMEDY IS WHEN YOU FALL INTO A SEWER AND DIE" (MEL BROOKS QUOTED IN NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE).  SOME TRUTH IN THAT. GOOD OR BAD FROM WHOSE STANDPOINT? HMMMM...////JACK:  My golf partner and I invited a mutual friend to play a round of golf with us.  It was his first time on a golf course.  Mid-way through the round we substituted an off-center ball for the one he was using.  He couldn't figure out why his shots were going off in such wild directions.  Finally, when his putt hopped across the green and into the hole, we told him about the ball.  He thought we should pay for his round for the entertainment provided.

 FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER:  If it seems bad, it's bad to the seemer. If it seems good, it's good to the seemer.  Seeming is in the eyes of the seemer.////JACK:  Your world sounds like a seamy one.