Was at the AFCA Convention recently and was eating dinner with Tony Ford. Tony is our Defensive Ends coach on staff and a long time great friend. Tony has always been such a great influence and has a tremendous heart for people. He has a great life story and super motivated to help kids, adults, or anyone along his path. I will never forget in my office one day, I was worried and talking through a particular situation. Tony looks at me and says, “Adam is it a 3rd World Problem?” I said, “What do you mean by that question?” “Well, Adam does it involve food to live, shelter, or family health?” I was like… wow… “No Tony it doesn’t involve any of that..” “Adam then those things are first world problems and you will deal with them. But they are not worth worrying about..”  This is just one small example of the perspective he has given me over the years. His attitude is contagious and always sees the good in people or in  many situations. Tony will often send people a text message or random note just to encourage them and make them feel valued. We also both like to make analogies and how we can apply them to the team or our lives. While waiting to be served, the level in our water glasses began to lower and we were waiting on a refill. Needless to say, the topic came up of our “Glasses being either half full or half empty.” We both decided that it was neither… We just needed a refill, that we need to pour into others and let others pour into us. We do not need to get so caught up in admiring our own glass and over analyzing our own situations. This just creates mindset of self over serving others..  This moment also reminded me of the importance of great partnership and what it can do for us:

• Often we get trapped in analyzing our own situation or circumstance.
• Once trapped, we focus on either what we do not have for what we do have.
• Both of these mindsets are self-centered. We are focusing only on our glass.
• Sometimes we do not need to decide on the state of our own glass. We just need a re-fill.
• Surround yourself with people that make you better.
• These people will give you a different perspective and allow you to grow.
• Be willing to accept the re-fill and do not put a lid on your glass.
• A partnership only works, if you are willing to pour into others as well.
• People cannot pour all they have into you until they are empty. Your glass is not just for you, pour back into those people and be willing to share with others.
• You may face tough days and be thirsty… But a great partnership will never let your glass go completely empty and allow you to de-hydrate.
• We are meant for others and relationships are the essence of our purpose in this world.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” –Ecclesiastes 4:9-12