Facing Disappointment

If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.
~Henry David Thoreau~

Sometimes I think disappointment is one of God's ways of humbling us.  It's certainly true that we need disappointment in our lives in order to appreciate satisfaction - at least I think so.  I've experienced that scenario this weekend.


My disappointment came from something that is really not that important in the grand scheme of things.  My hopes were built up to the point that I was positively soaring and believed I would go even higher.  My bubble was burst and I experienced what ABC Sports has always called "the agony of defeat".  I went to bed last night with a broken heart and a broken spirit. 


A good night's sleep and a beautiful morning has changed my perspective and I'm feeling my usual obnoxious and positive self again.  That which disappointed me is over and a fresh new start is upon me.  Don't you just love how quickly points of view can change when you let them?


To be perfectly honest, I'm grateful for the reality check.  I needed it.  The old me from many (MANY!) years ago would have pouted and walked around with drooped shoulders and a frown for days.  The me of today has picked myself up, wiped the dust off and put the whole thing behind me.  I'm good and I'm happy.


For those who haven't figured it out, I'm talking about a silly football game.  My team lost a playoff game and will not make it to the Super Bowl.  Today, I'm looking forward to a better season next year.  Devastation has given way to reality.  Of 32 teams, only 12 made it to the playoffs and my team was one.  Next weekend, only 8 teams will still be in contention.  So many more will be watching and that is perfectly okay.


And yes, I AM still having a Super Bowl Party even if my team is just watching too.