We all experience winning and losing in all areas of life, don’t we?
A game like the Super Bowl takes those win/loss moments and infuses them with steroids. As a full-on championship game, the pinnacle of the sport of football, it places ultimate importance on the outcome of the game.
My team’s loss in yesterday’s game gave me pause to examine my own focus, and how I handle wins and losses. (Warning, long post ahead, grab some coffee!)
Winning and losing? Or just Plan A vs Plan B?
Except in sports, when a trophy can only be given to one side or the other, most of our wins and losses in life aren’t all that black-and-white. Often instead of Plan A, the “win,” we end up with Plan B. While it’s tempting to see Plan B as the loss, it’s important to recognize that we may only be redirected…not losing. It’s a matter of perspective.
There’s a country song by Rascal Flatts called Bless the Broken Road – and the lyric that catches me is, “It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true.” Looking for that grander plan is what keeps me going when I feel I’ve suffered a loss; because I know God’s got a plan. He’s not surprised by my loss, and often He was using that loss to redirect my path to His plan.
If I always won – if my Plan A was always the same as my destiny – I’d take a lot more credit for my successes than I deserve. And if it’s my plan and ends up as a failure, I can be crushed by a loss. If I can look at those failures as readjustments – nudging me back on track, or refining me or teaching me – then I don’t feel the ownership (and pain) of a loss at such a personal level.
The Seahawks, as a franchise, are new to the status of being a team on top. Yes, they won last year’s title, but they’re no dynasty yet. Getting knocked off that pedestal may just serve to remind them that the “dynasty” status of repeat winners isn’t something to take for granted – and bring them back stronger than ever next year.
Learning from losses
If we come away from winning and losing experiences without growing from the experience, we miss the point. If the Seahawks don’t become a better, stronger team because of their loss, then they might as well never have gone to Arizona to play in the Super Bowl. If the Patriots only put their trophy on a shelf and pat themselves on the back, then their win is only a piece of metal.
Learning and growing is what keeps life interesting. I’ve had times in my life when I whined at God that I just wanted life to calm down, to stabilize, I just wanted to be in a groove of my own and not get stretched. But those times quickly go from being a respite to a dry desert! Growing pains might not be the most pleasant, but they refine us and prepare us for our future experiences.
As hard as it is, staying engaged in activities that push me, that press me to try things I’ve never tried and often will fail at…those are the times I feel most alive. I’ve been in a crazy creative season for almost a year now, and I’ve been feeling desperate to hang onto it; I fear the day that I dry up on ideas! Being willing to try new things, even when they end up in the trash, is what’s keeping me stretching – and alive.
An exercise in sportsmanship
Watching post-game interviews with my Seahawks, I was struck by the graciousness expressed toward their opponents. I’m not at all certain if they actually felt that way; as a fan, I was devastated enough by the loss that I’m sure at least some of them would have liked to share some choice words with reporters. But…they didn’t. And I think that will stand them in good stead as they process this defeat.
Often the exercise of walking the walk and talking the talk helps us to develop that heart of a good sport. Saying the “right” things out loud – those gracious, kind statements that your heart is screaming are unfair – saying them aloud can help us eventually start to believe it. “Fake it til you make it,” as the old adage goes.
When I get slapped by something that stings, I grumble to myself—and I really don’t like that small, petty version of me. That sulky me is no fun. I relish the opportunities to have to share with others about the thing that stung me. I want others to think of me as a mature person, so I search my mind for the mature things that I “ought” to feel, and say them. Even with a fake smile on my face. That’s the first step toward getting my hurt heart to grow up too….and eventually I do end up feeling those more mature feelings.
Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment,
and quit worrying about winning and losing.
-Matt Biondi
All that said – yes, the loss yesterday stings. I’ve been public enough with my support for the Seahawks (this painting and this video, for starters!) that my first thoughts weren’t of great congratulations to the Patriots. Just ask my friends at the Super Bowl party I went to! I knew I’d get a ton of grief from my Patriot-supporting friends, and I didn’t really want to face that. But…the exercise of writing this blog post has helped process the loss a bit, and come out with something positive from it. Yay for blogging, eh?
Congratulations to our opponents!
When I posted my Seahawks art recently, some friendly taunting of course happened in the comments sections of various social media. The usual light-hearted jabbing that we all seem to do. Some folks asked if I planned to do a Patriots version of yesterday’s video – and I promised that if the Pats did win, I’d do a card with their uniforms too! (Sorry, no time to shoot a video, but you can see the Hawks one HERE.)
This was an alternate layout of the stamps from yesterday’s video post – this time the cheerleader is being backed up by her team!
Giveaway
I’m going to give away this card! Leave a comment before midnight Thursday and I’ll post a winner on Friday. And just to keep everything on the happy side, I’m going to ask everyone to comment on your favorite moment the OTHER team had in the game last night. Yeah I know, I’m asking a lot…but this whole blog post is an exercise in processing winning and losing, right?
For me, as much as it *stung*, I loved that last little interception by Malcolm Butler. It was an underdog moment – and I loved seeing his expression when it dawned on him what he had just done. If only we all could be in the right place at the right time like that!
PS! I just reached a little milestone over at Patreon – and celebrated by shooting a special patron-only video: my art journal! Many many thanks to my patrons for your amazing support!! No winning and losing when you’re a patron…it’s all wins!
Wonderful post, Sandy. My favorite moment by the Pats was when a member of all 5 branches of the military escorted the team out onto the field. As a Veteran’s wife, seeing things like that make my heart swell with pride.
You, as always, do a fantastic job! Thank you for being you!
Very nicely put, Sandy. It is just a game and win or lose; we should be happy for those teams that did make it to the Super Bowl.
Our grandchildren are Patriot fans. Although we are Seahawk fans, we were blessed to see the look on their little faces when they won. God loves the Patriots, also.
Love the card even though I’m not a Pats fan I have a very good friend who would love that card forever!
I watched the game, and I honestly thought that Seattle had it in the bag. When that crazy catch happened, I thought the writing was on the wall. Love this card! Those images of the players are awesome, and you always do an ultra fabulous job coloring. My 78-year old dad is a huge Patriots fan. He’d love this card.
I too loved Butler’s pick. Was super bummed we didn’t hand it to Lynch, but had to give Butler his due props. Or how about that smirk from Brady when we tied up the game? Kind of like, “well all right then, game on!”
My very favorite part (besides the halftime show of course lol) was the interception by Butler, it was hard to believe it even happened..and it happened so quick. It was one of those one in a million moments. He’s a rookie so I can only imagine that feeling and the thoughts going through his mind. Your card is fabulous, I love it!!!
I’m quite sports impaired and couldn’t explain any of the nuances of football (or any other sport) well enough to even describe a favorite moment. Instead, I’ll just say a favorite moment is reading your very eloquent blog post just now. Thank you Sandy for continuing to share your art as well as your lovely spirit.
Donna
The best thing that I liked about the game last night was that it was not a run away. It was an even match. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about winning and losing. Enjoyed your card, too.
Although I have no real connection to either team, I was rooting for Seattle – it’s just a great place 🙂 I will agree that the Pat’s interception was the moment to notice though!
My team is actually the Denver Broncos but I was really pulling for the Pats to win only because the Seahawks beat us last year at the Superbowl. I was pretty sure they were going to pull off a win too but my if I had to pick my favorite moment from them it would be how amazing their run game was. I’m sad for their play call and even if I was happy to see the Pats win, my heart hurt for the Seahawks.
I don’t usually watch football, but when half time had a 14 -14 score my hubby and I decided to check it out (we used to watch more when we didn’t live in sunny Florida)! The SeaHawks had some wonderful plays..that juggling catch for one! The Patriots’ rookie interception though was just too good….I for some reason did want the SeaHawks to win it!
Lovely coloring and love all the details on both cards! Hope the card goes to a wonderful fan!
Sandy, what a beautiful post! I’m a Pats fan, so I have to say that my favorite Seahawks moment yesterday was the interception they made early on (I think it was still in the first quarter). It put the momentum on their side. If I’m lucky enough to get this card, I’ll give it to my dad. He’s the one who taught me everything I know about sports and is a huge fan of all the New England/Boston teams.
Sandy… I so much appreciate your Blogs… I always learn from you – more than just the craft! This blog helped me process the loss last night. I think I spent a good 10 minutes just gaping at the TV with my mouth open. I don’t even remember what happened after that fateful play!
My favorite moment was Brady’s face when he realized that catch was going to lose him the game… I can only bet he was on his knees when it did not carry through… alas… we will go on to win bigger next time!
Sandy, thank you for your insight. Yes, last night was hard so I went into worship because I had lost my focus and winning was the ultimate goal for me. Having been a Seahawks fan since 1976 . The Lord reminded me , keep your focus, make kingdom choices and kingdom priorities. I admit I lost that on Sunday but when I remembered who was on the throne it helped. Thank you for being so awesome..
Love the shading on the helmets!
I LOVE your oh sooooo creative card!!!! I was going for the Seahawks. my Fave moment was Kearse’s 33 yd catch with a minute and 6 seconds remaining!!!!!
Can’t say I had a favorite moment from SB yesterday – didn’t watch the game. But I’d like to comment about your “plan A or B” moments. Now that my mom has passed, I knew there was another person out there who needed my help. When I went into the office to ask for an assignment, my case manager was speaking to a son whose mother has dementia and needed help. She was a new client, and I was starting over with a new plan for my life. She is now my client and a very sweet lady. We get along great! I’m convinced God placed us both together. I’m starting to learn to “let go – let God”. I tend to want to control things in my life, and that’s not always God’s plan. Sorry for rambling, but I really related to what you said.
Sandy, I love your attitude and your art. I don’t watch football, I don’t care, but I love Seattle and have BEEN to the Stadium and so I root for the Seahawks. I saw your cute card the other day and loved it! Not because of football, but because using the Greeting Farm stamps for ANY team is cute! So versatile! You’re a good sport, Sandy! Thanks for sharing!!
I love the card! I thought the SeaHawks was impressive this one is even more!
This is an adorable card! As a big Patriots fan, I have no reason to give Seattle fans a hard time. They played an amazing game! That Marrhews kid was particularly impressive!
I have had so many thoughts running through my head last night and this morning. We lived in New England for 15 years and my daughter was born there. While we don’t live there now, we have remained Patriot fans. We are also Ohio State alumni so this has been a very good year for our teams!
Actually, we enjoy watching any team when they play good ball but it is fun to have someone to cheer for. We are always reminded that these are young men who are living their dream and are happy for them. We find little value in trash talking. I didn’t hear or see any trash talking on your part. Being proud of your team is allowed!
Yes, I was cheering for the Pats last night but was also appreciative of the good plays and efforts of the opposing team. When Russell Wilson threw deep to Jermaine Kearse, and it looked like an incomplete pass, we were thrilled. That moment was followed by the comment, ”What an amazing play. If we had to lose at least it was because of an awesome catch. I’ll bet his family is proud of him tonight.”
I am mindful that this is a game and not a something earth shattering that ultimately affects my life, or those that I love, so I take it all in stride and appreciate it for what it is; good football and fun times shared while watching it. (And you thought that your post was long.)
Oh, and I would love to have a piece of your art work…I’m just saying! Hahaha!
Great words, Sandy. I too was rooting for the Seahawks and was unhappy at their loss. Then I got to thinking of Malcom Butler’s interception. Here is a young man who has worked so hard to make it to the “big time”. He was certainly not expecting to have such a stellar moment in the biggest game on the biggest stage. He was overwhelmed with emotions. It was then that I realized that yes, the Seahawks will lose but this young man has just won. He has won something he has been dreaming about his whole life and I was happy for him. I also found that some of those magnificent catches made by the Seahawks were so exciting for not only those who caught them….but for Russell Wilson who is so accurate with his throws. Those passes and catches should not be forgotten. The game was one of the best I have witnessed on both sides. And let’s face it…win or lose, it is just a game. It was not a life or death battle..it was a game and what a game it was!
I’m very impressed by the gracious way you’ve handled this dissappointment. We can all learn from your words. Thank you. …and thanks for the adorable card. Very cute and well thought out.
Thanks for a great post- and I really appreciate the creation of the Patriots card!
I work in the treatment of addiction and one of the things that really helps me is that I often pause to think– ‘there, but for the grace of God, go I.’ I truly feel the pain of the Seahawks organization and fans. We have all suffered losses in our lives- but most of us get to suffer in private- so to agree to be interviewed and be so gracious- truly a wonderful, compassionate thing! There were some wonderful moments in that game- and yup- I cried when I saw how overcome Malcolm Butler was– but I also cried when Pete Carroll was interviewed….I loved him when he was with the Patriots- people did not appreciate him enough. He is a class act! My favorite part of the actual game– every time a ‘lesser known’ Seahawks player made a great play– I love that it really does take a team and that every person is an important part of the team! I used to be a Patriots season ticket holder and went to games with my dad (RIP) and every game is another connection to him. So while I am thrilled that ‘my boys’ won– I would never want to make someone else feel bad about their loss– it would taint my Dad’s memory and it would serve no purpose- nobody benefits from taunting someone! It was a very hard fought game by both excellent teams!
No favorites in the game (my team lost earlier) and I was just looking forward to a great game…and that it was. Thanks for the beautiful walk through winning and losing and how our Heavenly Father takes care of His tender hearted ones….and I am one of those also. God Bless
I watched the game and enjoyed it. Since I am a Saints fan, I really didn’t as they say have a dog in the fight last night. But I was pulling for certain players- two in particular. Being from Louisiana, I am also a huge LSU fan. So last night, each team had one of our old players. Brandon Lafell( wide receiver)for the Patriots, and Tharold Simon(corner back) for the Seahawks. There was a play that Brandon caught a touch down pass and Tharold Simon was covering him. It was a LSU vs LSU moment and I loved it! So proud of them!
It was truly one of the best super bowl games I’ve watched in a long time. Both teams should hold their heads up today! Great Game!
The last 20 sec. Of the game will be a never forgotten Super Bowl moment.
My best friend grew up a Patriots fan, moved to Seattle and is now a rabid Hawks fan. I grew up a Patriots fan, moved to Colorado and remain a die-hard Patriots fan… But the thing is, either way, neither of us would have gotten a ring, or been invited to a float on the parade, or received a bonus paycheck… It’s so easy to get wrapped up in it! And holy cow, NO OTHER FANS know how the Seahawks fans feel like right now like Patriots fans do! Our team has lost in the last seconds of the Super Bowl…twice…to the same team. It’s fun to cheer and be part of something…and part of being a die-hard fan is the dying hard. It hurts when they lose! But anyone who picks on you today is practicing poor sportsmanship and is not a very good friend! You should tell them you don’t understand what happened, since YOU were open on the 1 yard line!
What a game last night! My favorite moment from the “other” team was the catch/hold by Jermaine Kearse. Love your Patriot’s card! Hope to win!
Even though I live in the Chcago area, I grew up in New England so I was rooting for the Pats. What an exciting game, and I usually don’t even watch football!!!!! Your Pats card is beautiful. I was watching your guy Wilson a lot as I felt I had learned about him through you. The Seahawks displayed amazing sportsmanship after the game. I wish Seahawks was my team if only because I LOVE the color combination of that blue and green. LOL! Your Seahawks card really made those colors shine. PS: I did something yesterday I had meant to do for a while. I became a Patreon!
I don’t really watch the game, I’m more of a, “come for the food and friends” kinda girl but, I was rooting for the Seahawks just because I knew how much you wanted them to win!! Very gracious of you to honor the patriots by making them such a beautiful card and sharing your thoughts about Gods plan and your insights on being a gracious winner and non-winner ( I just couldn’t put loser!)
Well,,, it was a good game & I was routing for the Seahawks, but I have to say that last interception by the Patriots couldn’t have happen to a better rookie!!! Good game Pats!!!
Like you, my favorite moment was when Butler got the ball and the look on his face. He seemed to still be in shock when interviewed immediately after the game. I’m a grandma, so I was thinking “I hope his family was there to be a part of his best rookie moment.”
Lovely explanation of winning/losing and our personal attitude about it.
Wonderful post. V thoughtful and inspiring. I think that interception at the end of the game by the Patriots was fantastic. What a great finish. TFS Hugs, Kristina
I am a Patriots fan. I loved the look on the Seahawk’s owner’s face when their player (I don’t know names) caught the ball after he had fallen down on the 5 yard line at the end of the game. It was priceless.
Thanks for adding to my morning devotional time, Sandy! A great lesson we all can use to grow us. Just last week my prayer group talked about learning to thank God for our difficulties because that is when we grow in our faith. Your post was a nice reinforcement of that idea. Love your blog and your heart for God.
Love you copic coloring! Such talent!
Love the card also.
What a great post. Yes, I was disappointed to see the loss. I had the Hawks gear on all night hoping that would help them win. I love in Pats land and now have to swallow some pride and listen to how great the Pats are. I’ve never been into the Super bowl as much as this one. And my brother-in-laws lives in my hometown of Philly but loves Tom Brady. There was a lot of back and forth last night about who was the better team. BTW I am a fan of the Seahawks because of the colors.
Sandy, thank you so much for sharing your really gracious, heart felt thoughts on winning and losing. I wish that I could express so eloquently these wonderful lessons that never stop as we “grow up”. I have grandchildren who are learning about loss and with your words ringing in my ears, I want to set a good example. Thanks again, Sandy, I love your beautiful heart.
Nice post your card is beautiful.
A great lesson for us all.
You did a wonderful job explaining winning and losing. Thank you.