See You at the Top!

A few days ago I was inspired when I saw my daughter’s Instagram post: “Intensely grateful for the role this man (Zig Ziglar) played in my life for so many years. Next to my father, his words, encouragement and life shaped my perspective like no other. I give thanks that he was able to call a blessing upon my son, Payton, who seems to carry a similar ability to inspire us daily with his unique and ever-positive perspective! We’ll see you “over the top”, Pops!” (Daily, Payton posts on Instagram a life message. For example, “Worship gets you through the tough parts of life because it shifts your focus from the problem to the problem solver.”)

I loved that. Often we look in the rear view mirror and think about the mistakes we’ve made and we do a lot of “would-a, should-a, could-a” talking. That does us little good, if any at all. But, how incredibly beneficial it is for us to reminisce about those good people and good situations that molded us and gave us sure footing that stays with us today – in our attitudes, our decision-making, and our overall outlook on life. We know that there were those who left footprints in the sand for us to follow.

Zig was such a vital part of our family’s lives for so many years. My children literally “cut their teeth” on Zig’s philosophies and the belief that “we were born to win”. (“Born to Win” was one of his inspiring books.) His motto “You can have anything you WANT in life if you will help enough other people get what they WANT. His trainings and principles for success in business and life — and his friendship with our family, sincerely impacted the people we are today — optimistic, relentless work ethics and audacious determination to succeed at whatever we put our hands and hearts to.

I was thinking about what Zig meant when he said “See You at the Top” (one of his best-selling books). Zig made it to the top in business, family life….and ultimately – in heaven. I figure that he and my husband are conspiring daily and interceding for all of us to continue to live passionately with determination to live our lives with gusto and as role models for others to follow. Here’s some of Zig’s philosophies that help us make sure that we get to the top of our game and our life if we live them. We know we’re at the top when:

• You know that success doesn’t make you and failure doesn’t break you.
• You are filled with faith, hope and love; and live without anger, greed, guilt, envy or thoughts of revenge.
• You are mature enough to delay gratification and shift your focus from your rights to your responsibilities.
• You know that failure to stand for what is morally right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong.
• You are secure in who you are, so you are at peace with God and in fellowship with man.
• You have made friends of your adversaries, and have gained the love and respect of those who know you best.
• You understand that others can give you pleasure, but genuine happiness comes when you do things for others.
• You are pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude and generous to the needy.
• You love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, friendship to the friendless and encouragement to the discouraged.
• You can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion and up with gratitude.
• You know that “he who would be the greatest among you must become the servant of all.”
• You recognize, confess, develop and use your God-given physical, mental and spiritual abilities to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.
• You stand in front of the Creator of the universe and He says to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Looking forward to seeing my sweetheart, Zig and YOU at the TOP!