On the not so dusty (more like swampy) road between Destin, Florida, and Austin, Texas there is a small town just outside Lafayette…. Scott, Louisiana. This is where I found myself looking for food, a cold beer, and some local environment before calling it a day. I found a happening spot- Legends, a sports bar decorated heavily with New Orleans Saints memorabilia. I pulled up a barstool next to a young man who was watching the football. It was late in the Seahawks vs. 49ers game with a few minutes left and I asked who he was rooting for. He said if both of these teams could lose it would be good for me, I’m a Saints fan. (of course!) So I went on to explain that the Seahawks were my childhood team that I watched with my dad, and that I was also a California girl, so I could go either way, but I am gonna cheer for the Seahawks because it doesn’t look good for them. I like the underdog. He said, “You don’t know what’s gonna happen, that’s why they play.” So we watch, chat for a bit about the area, where to get the best boudin (Lulu’s is the place) … and then S.F. scores again to put them in the lead by more than a touchdown, with only 40 seconds left. I look over at the guy (usually I am better about getting names) I shrug, shake my head, and say well it REALLY doesn’t look good for Seattle now. He looked at me with such conviction and said, “You don’t know what’s gonna happen! There is still time on the clock!” and in that moment I saw incredible wisdom in that. He was right. I told him he was inspiring me right now and he gave me a touching look like nobody had ever said that to him before. With a little smile, he said thank you, and sat up a little straighter.
So, San Francisco won the game. He excused himself to go smoke a cigarette, and sat at the other end of the bar when he came back in. Conversation over, but not forgotten. I actually tell this story often with my best deep Cajun accent because it made it sound so cool when he said those things, maybe part of what made it memorable. There is still time on the clock.
You never know when profound wisdom will strike, sometimes it happens in the most unexpected of places. So many people limit themselves by assuming the outcome. It is sadly common and keeps us stuck in a big way. You don’t know what’s going to happen, but if you keep things the same way at least they are somewhat more safe and predictable. We stay at jobs we don’t like, mediocre relationships and show up as who we think we need to be to stay comfortable.
There is still time on the clock. You don’t know what’s gonna happen.