Now that the April 5th Neosho School Board Election is over, I can get my life back to normal. However, like all experiences in a person’s life – I have gained wisdom and perspective.
No one puts their effort into anything to lose, but I have learned there is Joy in losing. You see; in this election there were five candidates and the top three vote getters won a seat on the Neosho School Board. I finished 15 votes away from gaining one of those seats. Disappointing? Of course, but in all reality losing has brought me Joy. How can this be?
As I watched the election slip away last night, I wondered what I could have done to get a few more people to the polls. Then something strange began to happen. My phone began to light up with calls and text messages – my facebook page had many remarks and I got private messages – all from people wishing me well and offering encouraging words. It was then I realized how blessed I truly am.
To have people reach out to you as the “Loser”, you know those people truly care about you. They have no hidden agenda, no politics to gain, no job to seek from you. These people reached out to me, because they were good decent friends and they shared my passion for a better community.
When I worked for the Neosho Police, I learned a hard lesson over the many years in which I had great influence over hiring and firing decisions. People would get close to you in an effort to get a job or a promotion, but they might care little for you as an individual. To be clear, I don’t mean all people were this way, only a few, but these few certainly existed. That was one of the things I had to watch out for and “weed out”, as I determined people’s motivations and true Heart.
With this “loss” yesterday, I have determined I really won. I won because I have the respect of some of the greatest people anyone could know. I won because these people are genuine in their feelings toward me and have nothing to gain. I won because issues were brought out during my campaigning, which will benefit the youth of Neosho.
Most importantly, Neosho won, because unlike some School Districts who had no “competition” for seats on their Board – Neosho had fierce competition from five candidates, any of whom were worthy to serve – all of whom desired to serve for the RIGHT reasons.
As you face losses in your life, look at those people who surround you and lift you up and you will understand what I mean – there is much Joy in losing!!!!! Thank you to all who stood by me and supported my dream! GO CATS!!!!!
Steve, I appreciate your remarks and willingness to "take the high road". I know you really feel this way, but I am bummed. Nothing against the other candidates i just see so much potential in you and what you can bring to helping people. There was not one single person running who had more qulaifications in service to neosho than you do. Not one. I believe in our system but the voters got this one wrong. Next time next time you take it to em.
ReplyDeleteThank you for having faith in me. I appreciate the remarks!
ReplyDeleteSteven, thank you for having the courage to put your heart and your pride on the line and the willingness to put your life on hold for us the last few months. Brett said it best...you are a class act and I'm proud to call you my friend.
ReplyDeleteI wish you winning a seat on the board had been God's plan for us. I don't understand why it isn't. I guess it means He has something greater in mind for you. And I have no doubt that when He does reveal His plan, you will rise to occassion.
I am so proud of how you ran your campaign. You hold your head high and know that you made a difference by showing all of us what Wildcat spirit is all about.
All my best!
Haley, thank you so much for the uplifting words!
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