Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 31

Prelude to the Super Bowl

Five years ago today I wrote the following devotion. While our Colts had a dismal season this year, I think this devotion still has a lesson or two in it. Enjoy!

I was privileged to watch the Patriots/Colts game from home. Don’t get me wrong—I think it would have been phenomenal to be there! The reason I call myself privileged is that I got to see all the post-game interviews LIVE! Rather than sitting in a traffic jam I got to see and hear the first words that Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady shared with the public. Today I want to look at one of Peyton’s comments.

QUESTION: How big was Fletcher’s reception?
ANSWER: It was big.

And then Peyton went on with his little sermon. He shared that the route wasn’t Peyton’s idea, he shared that Fletcher’s route wasn’t the idea of anyone on the coaching staff. He shared that the idea was Fletcher’s idea (he also said he hesitated to say it cause he didn’t want Fletcher to get a big head). What an answer! Peyton didn’t take credit; he gave credit where credit was due. Peyton told us he was a listener. He told us he was willing to take an adventure. He told us that believing and trusting others is important. In this big game he was very willing to listen to others and act on their insights! I’m glad he did.

Peyton taught us a great deal about leadership in that game (there are some other things I could highlight but this is a devotion, not a sermon). Thanks for teaching us that listening is critical for success, Peyton.

Have a blessed day listening to and serving others.

--Ben Keckler
01.31.12