Virginia and Tom Boles share smiles in their La Habra home of 55 years on June 13, 2013. They both were recently awarded the 2013 Myron Claxton Distinguished YMCA Service Award for their many years of contributions to the ‘Y.’

By the Rev. Thomas M. Boles PhD., DMin., D.D.

Michael Jordan has said about his commitment to playing the game of basketball:

“I approached practices the same way I approached games. You can’t turn it on and off like a faucet. I couldn’t dog it during practice and then when I needed that extra push late in the game, expect it to be there. But that’s how a lot of people approach things. And that’s why a lot of people fail.

“They sound like they’re committed to being the best they can be. They say all the right things, make all the proper appearances, but when it comes right down to it, they’re looking for reasons instead of answers.

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Winners are those who refuse to call it quits. The story is told of a little girl who was playing Tiddly Winks with her father. Her much more experienced father won the game, said “I won,” and went on to other activities.

Unknown to him, his daughter continued to play. Awhile later she found him and announced, “I won!” “What do you mean?” he asked. “I got all my winks into the bowl.” she said proudly. Indeed, she had won! She had made a commitment to finishing her game.

A winner makes commitments,

a loser makes promises.

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?

He whose walk is blameless, who keeps

his oath even when it hurts.

Psalm 15: 1,2,4