Winning and Losing

Once again I am writing this column with the results of the presidential election still undecided. It occurs to me that although a week has passed, we don’t seem to be any closer to a solution-though of course the whole matter may be settled by the time you read this, but I’m not hopeful in that regard. Despite the high-minded rhetoric from both sides about fairness and counting every vote and upholding the Constitution, this is about winning and losing. I have no problem with that since, after all, that’s what elections are all about. Someone wins, another person loses. While surfing the Internet I found a site that lists quotations from notable persons on the subject of “Winners and Winning.” Here are a few examples (with my comments interspersed):

“Ever notice that people never say “It’s only a game” when they’re winning?” Ivern Ball (Very true.)

“The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell.” Andrew Carnegie (Also true.)

“It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies.” Arthur Calwell (Not a thought often heard in recent days.)

“I can tell you one thing. I’ve done this my way. I don’t have anybody to blame for this win but me, and I love it.” John Daly (Not sure exactly what this means.)

“When you’re a winner you’re always happy, but if you’re happy as a loser you’ll always be a loser.” Mark “The Bird” Fidrych (There is some wisdom here.)

“Remember that the horse that finishes a neck ahead wins the race.” Anonymous (Often repeated in Florida this week.)

“All right Mister, let me tell you what winning means… you’re willing to go longer, work harder, give more than anyone else.” Vince Lombardi (The coach speaks the truth.)

“I’ve learned that you don’t have to win first place to win.” Kim Zmeskal (A lovely thought by an Olympic gymnast.)

“They always win who side with God.” Frederick Faber

He is certainly right about that. Politicians and athletes come and go, and no matter who wins this time, there will be another election in four years. Build your life on Jesus Christ and in the end you will win in the only race that really matters.