A WINNER

This past Saturday we held our 10^th annual Kidfest.  It was a glorious day made possible by our church as well as three others in the Bristol area.  The children attending enjoy activities such as: face-painting, giant blow-ups, Bible stories, snow cones, and food galore. Each child is given a backpack and at the conclusion of the day we take the names of those registered put them in a bag and draw for some pretty incredible prizes. It’s so much fun watching the faces of those who win. The good thing is children win prizes; the bad thing is not all win.  It depends on the luck of the draw. This year after all the names had been called one mother and little boy came to the platform. They motioned for my attention. When I walked over to speak to them the little boy said, “I didn’t win anything.” His mother chimed in making a remark that touched my heart. She said, “He never wins.” I looked at him reached into my pocket and pulled out a $5.00 dollar bill. As I handed it to him I said, “Here take this, now you are a winner.” He smiled and walked away. Would it not be wonderful if winning was that easy? If that were the case the world would be much happier. However, such a state of grandeur cannot be acquired by having your name called out in a random drawing or someone placing money in your hand.  Being a winner is not achieved by what one holds in his hand, but rather what he or she holds in their heart.  That’s why the writer of Proverbs stated “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” There are millionaires who live on the poverty level and paupers who live as kings. It all has to do with our thought process. You can be a winner but if you think like a loser you will be one. The reverse is true also. You can be a loser but if winning has captivated your mind, you will be a winner. Which brings me back to the little boy mentioned earlier, he thought he was a loser because his name did not resonate over the amplification system. His mother seemed to ditto the opinion. During the developmental years before him, it is my prayer that he comes to know the difference between his hand and his heart. If so he will always see himself to be a winner.