I’ve likened myself to Rudy Ruettiger before, especially in my college experience. But all these years later, I have found something new to relate to in his plight.

Rudy Gives Up

There is a wonderful sequence in the 1993 film Rudy where, after the titular young man, has worked his hardest for three backbreaking years, he is promised that he will receive the opportunity to finally appear in a single football game on Notre Dame’s team. This has been his dream for his whole life. However, as the weeks go by, he begins to lose hope that the promise will be kept and he will be allowed to appear in a game. 

When he scans the list of players on the roster for the final game of the season, he finds it bereft of his name. This is too much for him. Every tackle he’s taken, every hit he’s absorbed, wasn’t able to knock him off his feet for long. But this. This injustice is what finally makes him give up in disgust and fury. If he’s not allowed to play on the team, then he thinks his only option is to give it all up, everything he’s worked for all these years.

My Experience

This past year, I had something I wanted very badly. I worked on it all year, and I dedicated myself to showing that I was worthy of a great honor. And when the time came to be judged and receive my reward, I was let down. None of my efforts counted for anything beyond a pat on the back and an empty consolation. I was devastated, but I did my best to put on a smile and quietly retreat.

My first thought was that if my best is not wanted or acknowledged, maybe I should slow down or even give up altogether.

Rudy’s Wise Friend

Thankfully, Rudy doesn’t quit for long. He has an old, wise friend who gives him the words of wisdom he needs, the motivation to go on back and continue to do his duty, even if it means he never receives the glory he deserves. So he goes back, allowing his true self to shine through the dark cloud hanging over his head.

It’s an inspirational moment, and it leads to great rewards. Every one of his teammates stands up for him and asks the coach to let Rudy take their place in the final game. Thus, Rudy gets his chance to go out on the field for just one time to officially be part of the team and receive a great reward for his sacrifices.

My Response

I, too, have many wise friends. My wife, first and foremost, is there to listen to my troubles. And God, who understands all, patiently listens to me, too. He heard my sorrow and disappointment, and He waited, in His wisdom, to send His Spirit to speak comfort and peace to my heart.

He did not solve my problem the way I might have wanted, but He did something much better. He inspired me to keep going, to let my true self shine through. Even if I never receive the honor and glory, I will still do my duty. I can’t stand to give anything other than my best effort. That would truly defeat me if I ever lowered my standards for myself or stopped trying to be better. So I’ll keep trying.

Don’t Give Up

I do not see all things the way God does. However, I trust Him. It’s not my job to understand everything, but I do understand how Rudy felt when his dream seemed to be taken away from him through no fault of his own.

It’s hard to take what we perceive to be injustice. It can make us question the existence of justice at all if it’s denied to us. We must never do that, though. And we especially must not let disappointment get in the way of doing our best. I will temper my expectations in the future and keep quietly doing good.

If you have a heartbreaking experience like Rudy, perhaps consider following his example. Allow yourself to feel the emotions of sadness, but then listen to an old, wise Friend’s still, small voice of comfort and consternation. Then go on back. Don’t give up.

This is the Deja Reviewer bidding you farewell until we meet again.

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