Your Memories Are My Memories

A while back, my friend TJ told me he wanted to go to an ISU basketball game together. I agreed, but with one caveat: we must get some ridiculously amazing seats. I thus began my hunt for tickets. I eventually stumbled upon the deal of the century. Courtside tickets, immediately behind the opponent's bench, for a digestible price. Even better, we had two games to choose from. I asked TJ what game he prefered, and he immediately said the Oklahoma game. Perfect! My plan was coming together.....or so it seemed.

Fast forward 10 minutes, and I made a tragic discovery. While I did find the deal of the century, I realized why. It was one single ticket. Just one. Crap! This wasn't ideal, but it was still too good to pass up. I quickly pulled the trigger and gained control of my single courtside ticket. Then, I had to break the news to TJ:

Me: "I have good news and bad news. First, the bad news. I messed up. Those courtside seats only had one ticket available."

TJ: "And the good news?"

Me: "I bought it for you."

To TJ's credit, he humbly and gratefully accepted my gift. TJ's cool like that. He's a very generous man, but he also has the humility to receive the generosity of others. I was bummed I wouldn't be there with him, but I was even more excited for the experience he was about to have.

The game happened a few nights ago. TJ met up with a few buddies for dinner before the game, then enjoyed a wonderful courtside experience and a Cyclone win. We are ranked #8 in the country, by the way! Meanwhile, I stayed home with the boys while Sarah spent time with a few friends. As I was curled up on the couch watching the game, I saw TJ's face behind the Oklahoma bench every time down the court. I even grabbed this cutaway pic and texted it to him.

TJ was having this amazing experience, and I was sitting in front of my TV watching him have his amazing experience. I only felt joy. No jealously. No regret. No frustration.

This is the beauty of generosity. This is why generosity always wins. I made an investment in TJ's memories that night. That might as well have been my memory, as I will forever remember his excitement. I just have a different kind of memory now.....but an equally beautiful one.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (because I can't ever get it out of my head). In the wise words of my friend Gary, "Invest in two things: mission and memories." Giving and experiences. Or, in the case of that memorable night earlier this week, giving someone else experiences.

Your memories are my memories, and my memories are your memories. This isn't about me, and this isn't about you. We each have an opportunity to thoughtfully and generously invest in other people's memories. I hope you find someone to bless today!