Face down, kissing the sidewalk

Our six-year-old grandson is a huge NASCAR fan, and can name most of the drivers and their numbers. As all kids his age do, he was in the moment when he suddenly found himself face down kissing the sidewalk.

In Josh's words, "I was riding my bike and racing Jimmie Johnson (his favorite driver). We were leading and I went really, really, really fast and I won! So I was waiving to my fans and my bike got wobbly and it fell over."

This telephone conversation took place last evening while he was at the hospital. When I asked how he was, he said, "It hurt at first, but I'm OK now. I need some stitches is all." And when I asked about the bike, he informed me that it was fine and he'll be riding - and racing - again today.

Many times, as business owners - and all adults for that matter - we have enjoyed winning. And how many times have we found ourselves face down kissing the sidewalk? At that point, many don't get back up and say, "I'm OK now," but instead give up, never to win again.

Josh has taught us all a lesson - enjoy your success, appreciate the moment, thank your fans. And when you fall, get back up, tell yourself you're OK and get in the race again. Life is too short to sit it out.