I’ve heard many people ask – some sincerely and some sarcastically – what is a Hokie? The answer is simply I am. A Hokie is a loyal Virginia Tech fan. Whether one loves the school for its academics, its athletics or its culture we are Hokies. There’s no getting around it, Hokies are some of the best people around. That’s why I’m proud to say I am a Hokie.
I’m proud to say it here in the heart of Vol country in spite of our 5 turnover fiasco at Bristol a couple of weeks ago. Even though we gave the game away, multiple times, and the Hokie fans were outnumbered, and even though Vol fans invaded my Hokie section it was a night to remember. Being at the Battle at Bristol and being part of the world’s largest football game was a once in a lifetime experience. That is something that can never be taken away. I was part of that 156,990 record crowd.
I was able to go for a few reasons. First, I am very blessed and will never say I’m not. For whatever reason God’s blessed me beyond anything I deserve and I will always acknowledge that. Secondly, I purposefully don’t buy extravagant things. I’ve had my car for 11 years. My house isn’t way beyond my means. I don’t purchase many big ticket items. When I do purchase something large it’s a big deal. I try to cook at the house for most meals. Four out of five lunches I bring to work. I try to live a smaller life so that when those large events come along, such as the Battle at Bristol, I am able to be a part of them. I live small in order to live large.
Unfortunately, we have created a culture of envy. From cars to clothes, from electronics to food, almost all products are sold from the standpoint of envy. It’s not just the corporations that broadcast it but also governments, social clubs, sporting events, musicians – all flash an image for others to strive toward. As varied as they are they all have one thing in common, they all focus on the external. Because they focus on the external, material things they end up living small because they live large.
I say buck the trend, forget the status quo of “needing” anything and everything out there. Instead embrace those things that can never be taken away. If I had poured money into cars, clothes or a bigger house I could not have done any of what I’ve done the past few years. From the Battle at Bristol to the missions trip in Nepal last year to my Ireland/Scotland trip last month. I would only experience a small live if I chose to live large. As it is though, I have lived ever larger through my experiences because I have chosen to live small.
So, what say you? Would you rather have an expensive car but only be able to stay within a 100 mile radius or would you like to have a dependable car and be able to go on your dream trip? Would you rather have a 3,000 square foot home but never be able to vacation or would you like to live comfortably and be able to vacation a couple times a year? It’s your choice, live a small live because you’ve chosen to live large or live a large and full life because you’ve chosen to live small. I’d say live small in order to live large.
Attempt it. Chance it. Try it. Get to It!