Super Heroes and Their Sidekicks

I will be talking with 2 groups this month and one common question is, "who were/are your heroes?"

Here are the definitions I found for "Hero". 
1) a. A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. 
b. An illustrious warrior.
c. A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities
2) a. The principle male character in a literary or dramatic work
b. The central figure in an event, period or movement
3) Submarine
4) An object of extreme admiration and devotion

Synonyms are god, idol and icon.

When I think of my heroes I think the synonym, icon, is the most appropriate.  Icon's first definition is "a usually pictorial representation".  When I think of heroes, I think of people that represent a certain quality or ability that I admire. 

The first three people that come to mind are my Dad, my Mom and my Pastor when I was growing up.  They were my primary role models during my early development.  They influenced me in multiple areas of my life.  My faith in God, my work ethic, my morals, my athletic development, my values, my hobbies, etc.  My Dad, My Mom and my pastor helped me build a foundation as a young person that would allow others to add their influence to my life.  My parents and my pastor are my Super Heroes.

As with any good Super Hero story, there are also sidekicks that support the efforts of the Super Heroes.  I think we often overlook these people in our lives.  Many people can identify a single hero and it is often a parent or teacher or coach.  What about the sidekicks?  What about the other people that have influenced you and molded you along your way?

I think for many of us, it is these sidekicks that really help us in specific ways and help determine how successful we will be in our different endeavours.  Whether it is in marriage, parenting, business, sports, or any other aspect of our lives.  We probably would be OK without any single one of them, but collectively, their influence on us is indispensable.

For many of us, we don't choose our Super Heroes.  But, the sidekicks are often chosen by our actions.  Who we choose to be friends with.  Who we choose to work with.  Who we choose to have lunch with.  Who we choose to have as a roommate in college.  Who we choose to marry.  Who we choose to call on the phone today.  Who we choose to introduce ourselves to this afternoon.  Who we go to the movies with Friday night.

I can't remember the source of this quote but I believe it to be true.  "What we are reading and who we surround ourselves with today determines where we will be 5 years from now."

Pick your sidekicks wisely.