Honesty, Honour and Humility

Craigley got an email today wondering if Hans is available to do some "flag duties" on the day of the Marlies' game that they purchased the tickets to?! Of course, Hans is available!! Who are we kidding here?!

And following are Hans' serious questions and thoughts on all of it:

“Is this going to be on TV?”

“But I am not the best player! So, why did they pick me?”

I am sure they picked a couple of other boys as well.

“That's good to know.”

“It must be so embarrassing for dad. I am the coach's son and I am not the best player.”

Who said that the coach's son has to be the best player?!

“I am sure they picked me because I am the coach's son.”

I wanted to tell the boy to stop thinking so much and simply enjoy the moment. But this is a 9 year old who reflects on his life. There is honesty and humility in his refection of the moment. He is under absolutely no wrong impression that he has been rewarded for his merit. However, he appreciates the honour of it all. Knowing him, he will work a little harder to be deserving of this honour.

I hope he keeps this attitude for the rest of his life.

And this is also the same boy who had this to share with me recently:

Exactly, 2 weeks ago, the Pizza delivery was late for Pizza Lunch. My friends G and Y run the program at Hans' school on Mondays. The Pizza was late and the kids were a little antsy and it was also indoor recess. So, one can only imagine. Apparently, the snack accompanying the Pizza was given out early to quell some hungry little tummies. Hans was a little hungrier than usual and apparently asked for an extra bag of chips, the snack for that day. The parent volunteer who was helping that day gave him a little lecture on it all.

Hans totally reflected on that moment when he got home.

“Mom, you are friends with Auntie Y and G, right? What use is it if your friends don't come through for your son?! Next time, I am going to ask your friend G. He is nice to kids who ask him for extras and he is not even friends with their parents!! So, for sure he will give me an extra bag of chips if I asked him?!”

I was like you will do no such thing. But I was impressed nonetheless. The boy sure has a sense of having connections in high places. The boy may be honest and humble, but he is also resourceful!

 

Noteworthy Remarks: A bit of flexibility in one's code of honour is not exactly a negative trait. When you know life is unfair anyways, allow some unfair advantages to work for you. As long as you can take no for an answer, you are good to go!