Zig Ziglar named Andy Andrews “the best speaker I’ve ever seen”. Andy is a Bestselling Author, a masterful storyteller and one of the most hilarious people on earth – but to me, he’s also a dear friend and mentor. I never leave his company, be it in person or a book, without being better for it. I asked him to share one of my favorite stories he tells about raising his boys. I love it because of what it deposits in them – and also what it deposits in you and me.
Almost every week, I stand in front of an audience somewhere in the country. My goal is to leave each person with something that will stay with them. I don’t want them to get fired up for an hour, only to fizzle out in a week. So when I got the opportunity to write a guest post for Chance’s blog, I wanted to do the same for you.
I sat and thought about it for a while. My first question was, “Why are most people reading Chance’s blog in the first place? What do they come here for?”
I listed it out:
- Chance is a great storyteller.
- Chance’s perspective truly resonates with many different kinds of readers.
- Chance’s writing shows people how to step out and do great things with their lives.
When I wrote that third bullet point, it hit me. Chance’s blog is for everybody! Who doesn’t hope to do great things with their life?
And I stopped right there. Because I knew what message I wanted to give you:
I don’t HOPE you do great things with your life…
I don’t HOPE you read Chance’s words week in and week out and harness that wisdom to change your world.
I’ll tell you why—because of my boys, Austin and Adam, a 14-year-old and an 11-year-old.
With my wife, Polly, these two boys are the most precious things on the planet to me. I love these monkeys.
Years ago, when they were little, I started a nightly tradition. Every evening I would smother them with kisses and spend a little time with each of them before they fell asleep.
Adam liked to count the stars. I would take him outside in my arms and we’d both look up at the night sky and I would say, “Count the stars, buddy!
He’d look up from my arms and say, “Star…star…star…star…star.”
Then he would pause for a second as his eyes landed on a bigger, brighter object. He’d look down into my eyes and ask, “Moon?”
“Yes,” I’d answer. “That’s the moon.”
He’d look back up at the sky. “Another moon, Daddy?”
“No, buddy,” I always told him. “One moon. Lots of stars…lots of little boys. But there’s only one moon. And only one Adam.”
And he’d say, “Good night, moon!”
When I took Adam inside, Polly would already have Austin in bed. When I entered his room, Austin would straighten up because he knew what was coming next.
Every night, I put my hand on his chest, and said, “Buddy, it’s time to check your heart.”
Then we would have a conversation that usually went like this:
“Aus, did you have a good day?”
“I did.”
“Do you know how much Daddy loves you?”
“I do.”
“Do you know how much God loves you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Aus, is there anything you’ve done today that you need to ask forgiveness for?”
He’d think hard for a moment and say, “I don’t think so.”
“Buddy, is there anybody you’re mad at, anybody you’re upset with, anybody you need to forgive before you go to sleep?”
“No, sir.”
“Austin, are you proud of yourself?”
“I am.”
“Do you know how proud of you your Daddy is?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Are we gonna have a good day tomorrow?”
“We are.”
“Then close your eyes and go to sleep, buddy. Because you’ve got a great heart.”
Austin would close his eyes and, before I could count to 10, he’d fall asleep.
That’s how we still end most nights. I love those boys. And that is why I would never tell you that I HOPE you do great things with your life.
I’m expecting it.
Because everything you do matters. Every move you make, every action you take…matters. Not just to you; not just to your family; not just to your friends or your hometown…
Everything you do matters to me in Orange Beach, Alabama. Because every move you make, every action you take, is creating the world in which my boys grow up.
I’m expecting great things from you. And, frankly, you can expect the same thing from me.
We’re in this together, and we should hold each other accountable. Because everything we do matters and we will make a difference.
The question, of course, is what kind of difference are we going to make?
And since that’s a choice we get to make, let’s make a great difference. And let’s start today!
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Shared on Facebook!
Love Andy Andrews – can’t wait to read his newest!
Shared on Facebook!!
Love Andy Andrews and can’t wait to read his newest book! Thanks for sharing! I’m sharing on Twitter right now!
Thanks, Michele. Good luck in our drawings!
I shared this on FB & Twitter. Your blog & Andy’s writings always uplift me. Keep writing. God Bless!
Thanks, Kevin! Good luck!
Sharing! Andy Andrews is an incredible speaker – what a gift to have him in your life. I posted your link on my facebook page to share not just with friends – but a public share. We all have the ability to “notice” – I wonder who will take the time to be present.
Thanks, Ang! I agree. He’s an amazing man and a huge blessing. Good luck in our drawings!
Sharing your (always )words of wisdom
:) Thanks, Lou! :)
Sharing it on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks, Jon. Good luck in our drawings!
Would love to win a copy! I’ve shared on Facebook and Twitter. Andy’s a great writer and can’t wait to read this book.
You are entered. Good Luck, Michelle!
Love Andy Andrews! Can’t wait to read this book. Shared on Facebook and Twitter.
Loved your review and your whole post, Chance! Shared it on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, as well :-)
Thanks, Sharon! Kind words. :) Good luck in our drawings!
I love Andy Andrews’ books. I got to see him live and he is an awesome speaker and motivator. I posted this on my facebook page.
I agree, Pam. Good luck in our drawings!
Chance, thank you for sharing this wonderful story of Andy’s. I am anxious to read The Noticer Returns and learn how to be a better parent to my precious son and daughter.
Have a great day!
David
Chance,
I just shared this post on Twitter and Facebook. I love Andy’s books and since I am now following you I look forward to learning from your blog.
Thanks, Joshua
Thanks, Joshua! I hope you’ll dig into the site. If you like Andy, I think it will resonate with you. Good luck in our drawings!
I shared on Twitter. My user name is kami2111. Thank you so much. I love Andy, and I am thinking that I really like your post as well. I’m glad to have found a new blogger to check out.
Thanks, Kamela! Good luck in our drawings! And I hope you WILL look around the site. I think you’ll find it useful. :)
Interesting points on this blog and love what Mr. Andrews said about each activity, each spoken word matter. That we are trying to be extraordinary… matters. To him, to his children.
It all matters. Do sweat the small stuff. It is in the small things that God does incredible things.
And I even posted it on Facebook.
Thanks, Jenn! Good luck in our drawings!
Share the post on Facebook. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks, Shawn. Good luck in our drawings!
I posted on FB…thanks for the offer and all you work!!
Good luck in our drawings – and thanks for your encouragement!
Chance – really appreciate your reasoning behind giving away this book. Parenting and parenthood is one of the greatest opportunities to shape the world for good. Thanks for helping us become aware of the book, sharing your blog with a message from Andy, and for being willing to stand for the role of parents.
Thanks, David. I appreciate these very kind words. Good luck in our drawings! :)
Following you & shared on twitter :)
Thanks, Amber! I’m looking forward to getting to know you. :) Good luck in our drawings!
Shared on Facebook. Can’t wait to read the new book. Great post. :-)
Thanks, Danielle! Good luck in our drawings!
Amazing every time! I shared on twitter!!
Thanks, Sandra! Good luck in our drawings!
I shared it on Facebook!
Great! Good luck in our drawings!
Loved it! Shared it!
Great! Good luck in our drawings!
Hi Chance, thanks for writing a blog that inspires your readers to live exceptional lives!. I’ve been a huge fan of Andy’s for several years and have read his books to my three children. I look very forward to reading The Noticer Returns since The Noticer had a profound impact on my life. Thanks for inviting him to post on your blog. I shared the link on my Twitter account:). Many blessings to you and your family.
So looking forward to this book!!! I shared on facebook.
Sharing on facebook
Love Andy Andrews and the Noticer Returns.
Such a motivational post! That’s so true – everything we do matters and it makes an impact on the world we leave in. I shared on Facebook and Twitter as always. :)
I’m always looking for new inspiration to be a better parent and a better person. You are always a big help! Shared on facebook :)
I shared your blog on my facebook. Thank you for this wonderful post. I will definitely apply it to my life and also my grandson’s.
Shared on Facebook :)
Tweeted!
Tweeted! Thank you for the opportunity to win the book!
Chance I had already posted your article on my FB page before I even watched or knew about the book offer! Your blogs are always so inspiring with those ah hah moments.
In todays world we need positive input to feed our minds and souls. Keep blogging!!
Julie
Tweeted this post! Awesome! Would be cool to win the book :)
Shared your wonderful post on my Facebook page for a chance to win ‘The Noticer Returns’ by my favorite speaker…EVER!
Chance, you will ALWAYS be the best
-Tru