Reason to Celebrate

January 17, 2011 was a big day. The world had much to celebrate. Yesterday we honored a great man who did great things. Dr. Martin Luther King was a hero in every sense of the word. His love, grace, and humility forged a path of forgiveness that would change the world forever. He ran his race and finished strong, never wavering in the task set before him. On the last day he was carried home to freedom, wearing the same badge of love and peace that was birthed in him. Because he refused to give up or back down, the world slowly became colorblind. Because he did it in love, his legacy remains and people are still colorblind today.

In a small, insignificant corner of the world, a few hockey fans also celebrated a milestone. Our hometown hero, Patrick Marleau played his 1,000th game. This is significant because he has only worn one NHL uniform during his entire career. Marleau has been a San Jose Shark since the day he was drafted in the NHL. Over the course of his career he has remained a force to be reckoned with, garnering respect from teammates, opponents, and fans everywhere. His integrity and commitment to the game make him an easy favorite. Today he is still running his race, still wearing teal, and still succeeding where others have failed.

I look at these two men and all that they have accomplished. Though vastly different, they are much the same. Both of them had their eyes on a prize and stayed the course. Adversity, opposition, and physical pain did not stop them from reaching for their dreams. They ran their race and they finished strong, wearing the same colors they started in. Everything in me wants to be just like them.

When I leave this world I want to be remembered not for what I’ve done, but for what I have not done. I want the world to remember that I did not give up, quit, or change my uniform. I want to be known as someone who ran her race, finished strong, and never once thought of retreating, selling out, or moving in the interest of comfort or riches. Every day that I am alive is a new opportunity to change my world, and take another step closer to my prize. Today I am reminded of how far I still have to go. There is much in my life that needs improvement. Today is a great day to put on my jersey, step onto the ice, and go after my dreams. How do you want the world to remember you?