Victory. Absolute victory. It doesn’t come often. That thrill of victory, the pinnacle of achievement, it’s rare.

Think about it. How often at the end of a season is your team the winner? How often are you the absolute best after a long season? Not that often. That’s why when it happens, that moment is special. Something to be savored.

Well yesterday, my 12-year-old son Sam’s Academic Triathlon Team (think Quiz Bowl), did something special. They won the State Championship. Last year, they didn’t even make it to States. Yep, it was pretty cool to watch. A moment to savor.

Sam went in with the right attitude. He was happy just to be at States. Eager just to compete against the best. Then filled with joy, as they took the win.

Tucking Sam in at night, I knew that such moments don’t happen often. I glanced at his trophy, freshly perched on his window ledge. I then turned to Sam and reminded him to embrace the moment, “Go to bed tonight with a smile, because tonight, you are a champion.”

Victory doesn’t come around everyday, but it sure feels good, when it does.