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Start Sweating The Small Stuff

We are often taught not to sweat the small stuff.  I think the real lesson trying to be conveyed there is not to measure life’s “stuff” but rather to focus on those meaningful moments and not get caught up in the distractions.  The last several weeks I have been reexamining this after reading the book, Make Up Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.  In the book Admiral McRaven describes a few experiences that, seemingly small, helped him develop great personal character.  As Royal Rangers, I think you will easily see the correlation.
Start Sweating the Small Stuff

Make Up You Bed

Every morning in basic SEAL training, my instructors, who at the time were all Vietnam veterans, would show up in my barracks room, and the first thing they would inspect was your bed.  If you did it right, the corners would be square, the covers pulled tight, the pillow centered just under the headboard, and the extra blanket folded neatly at the foot of the rack.

It was a simple task, mundane at best. But every morning we were required to make our bed to perfection. It seemed a little ridiculous at the time, particularly in light of the fact that we were aspiring to be real warriors, tough battle-hardened SEALs, but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven to me many times over. If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.  If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

McRaven, William H.. Make Your Bed (pp. 111-112). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Over the years we have seen several changes as it relates to uniforms in Ranges and we have been eye witnesses to the many variations of compliance from the top down.  We have heard those say that uniforms are old school.  We have heard that we must change to relate to the next generation.  Uniforms are a hassle and doesn’t really make a difference.  Don’t sweat the small stuff and uniforms are small stuff.  We can touch more kids if we don’t require a uniform.  If there is one thing that I have learned from reading the Bible, it’s that human nature is the same today as it was thousands of years ago.  The concept of uniforms is not that dissimilar to the illustration Admiral McRaven describes.  I remember the minutes before leading our Outpost to pass-and-review.  Commander Wayne was inspecting each patrol and sharing with them the vital role it plays in their overall character development.  It shows personal responsibility, pride, teamwork, and disciple.  All characteristics that are essential to high achievement.  If you want to change the world, put on a uniform.

You’ll Be A Sugar Cookie

Several times a week, the instructors would line up the class and do a uniform inspection. It was exceptionally thorough. Your hat had to be perfectly starched, your uniform immaculately pressed, and your belt buckle shiny and devoid of any smudges. But it seemed that no matter how much effort you put into starching your hat or pressing your uniform or polishing your belt buckle, it just wasn’t good enough. The instructors would find “something” wrong. For failing the uniform inspection, the student had to run, fully clothed, into the surf zone and then, wet from head to toe, roll around on the beach until every part of his body was covered with sand. The effect was known as a “sugar cookie.” You stayed in that uniform the rest of the day, cold, wet, and sandy. There were many students who just couldn’t accept the fact that all their effort was in vain. That no matter how hard they tried to get the uniform right, it was unappreciated. Those students didn’t make it through training. Those students didn’t understand the purpose of the drill. You were never going to succeed. You were never going to have a perfect uniform. Sometimes no matter how well you prepare or how well you perform you still end up as a sugar cookie. It’s just the way life is sometimes. If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

McRaven, William H.. Make Your Bed (pp. 114-116). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.

This story really bookends the “Small Stuff” concepts.  The first is the small investment that over time results in big rewards and the second is the small chipping away at you mental, emotional, and spiritual stamina.  This is how the enemy works in most cases.  Life is hard and not only will the choices we make have consequences, but the choice of people around us will also have consequences on our lives.  The enemy will use life’s small let downs and disappointments to get you to question God’s love and faithfulness in your life.  The minute our plans fail, or our dreams aren’t working out we think God is holding out.  After all, we did it right.  We followed the rules, stayed true.  Isn’t there supposed to be some kind of sowing and reaping?  Didn’t God promise us?  And yet, it seems like God has granted someone else your wish.  Don’t give in and don’t give up.  Remember, God’s love for you is all but scandalous.  He gave His best.  I haven’t laid hold of it yet, but this one thing I do, press on to the high calling of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy retired) served with great distinction in the Navy. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. He is now Chancellor of the University of Texas System.

McRaven, William H.. Make Your Bed (p. 125). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.