I am at this point in my life where I am being constantly reminded of my frailty. I may have all the motivation in the world to get things accomplished, but things just don’t turn out as expected.
So I want to bring some thoughts to you and see where this takes us.
Have you ever really thought of that question: Who are you playing for? What is your answer?
Yourself? If that is your answer, then your short-sided viewpoint will return short-term results.
Your coaches? If that is your answer, what would be the point of that? Of course, we want the best from you as we do our best for you. But much of that return is temporary.
Your team mates? That is a great thought. Being able to look each other in the eyes and know that you can count on each other is a great feeling. But again . . . temporary satisfaction gained there.
So seriously, who are you playing for?
If this game is only about stats, reputation, and camaraderie, then that is all it will ever be to you. Let me come back to that original question in a moment. Let me entertain another question for a moment: What do you learn from playing this game? [Possible answers]
1. You are not born with skills, they are developed.
2. Hard work is the seed, winning is the fruit.
3. Bad decisions are only bad if they are repeated.
4. Teamwork makes the dream work.
5. Coaches provide the direction, captains promote the dedication, but it takes the whole team going the same direction while showing the same amount of dedication to produce a successful program.
6. In order for the ball to make it to the back of the net, lots of people have to be doing the right things at the right time to make sure it happens.
7. Respect is earned, not forced.
8. Preparation never stops. One practice prepares for one game. One game prepares for the next one. One season prepares you for the next one.
These are simple life lessons put to you because you are involved with a team at this time and in this place. They are meant to shape you into the person you are meant to be. But who defines who you are meant to be?
Ladies, I believe each and every one of us has been put on this Earth to serve a bigger purpose. We exist. We matter. You can call it what you want, but I believe God created us to serve a purpose right here, right now, with the people who are currently in our lives.
Who are you playing for? The only one who really matters: God. If you believe this, then you better be diligent with your efforts. He expects us to be faithful in the little things so He can prepare us for bigger responsibilities. He only allows things to come into our lives that we can handle – both good and bad – and He promises never to leave us alone. Think about that for a moment . . .
Now, let me be clear for a moment. I am not asking you to agree with my faith nor am I requiring you to even accept these thoughts. But the Bible has always been a source of encouragement and clarity for me. In Romans 12: 9-13, [spacing for emphasis is mine]
“Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
To me, this reminds me that I just need to be good and honest and consistent in my relationships. I won’t take the time to explain each of those sections of the verses; you can do that on your own time if you want.
Ladies, I do not talk about spiritual things very often to the whole group. I just want each of you to know that I do care about you and what is going on in your lives. You matter to me. I want you to be your best in every area of your life.
Now, your turn. Please give me your thoughts.
So I want to bring some thoughts to you and see where this takes us.
Have you ever really thought of that question: Who are you playing for? What is your answer?
Yourself? If that is your answer, then your short-sided viewpoint will return short-term results.
Your coaches? If that is your answer, what would be the point of that? Of course, we want the best from you as we do our best for you. But much of that return is temporary.
Your team mates? That is a great thought. Being able to look each other in the eyes and know that you can count on each other is a great feeling. But again . . . temporary satisfaction gained there.
So seriously, who are you playing for?
If this game is only about stats, reputation, and camaraderie, then that is all it will ever be to you. Let me come back to that original question in a moment. Let me entertain another question for a moment: What do you learn from playing this game? [Possible answers]
1. You are not born with skills, they are developed.
2. Hard work is the seed, winning is the fruit.
3. Bad decisions are only bad if they are repeated.
4. Teamwork makes the dream work.
5. Coaches provide the direction, captains promote the dedication, but it takes the whole team going the same direction while showing the same amount of dedication to produce a successful program.
6. In order for the ball to make it to the back of the net, lots of people have to be doing the right things at the right time to make sure it happens.
7. Respect is earned, not forced.
8. Preparation never stops. One practice prepares for one game. One game prepares for the next one. One season prepares you for the next one.
These are simple life lessons put to you because you are involved with a team at this time and in this place. They are meant to shape you into the person you are meant to be. But who defines who you are meant to be?
Ladies, I believe each and every one of us has been put on this Earth to serve a bigger purpose. We exist. We matter. You can call it what you want, but I believe God created us to serve a purpose right here, right now, with the people who are currently in our lives.
Who are you playing for? The only one who really matters: God. If you believe this, then you better be diligent with your efforts. He expects us to be faithful in the little things so He can prepare us for bigger responsibilities. He only allows things to come into our lives that we can handle – both good and bad – and He promises never to leave us alone. Think about that for a moment . . .
Now, let me be clear for a moment. I am not asking you to agree with my faith nor am I requiring you to even accept these thoughts. But the Bible has always been a source of encouragement and clarity for me. In Romans 12: 9-13, [spacing for emphasis is mine]
“Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
To me, this reminds me that I just need to be good and honest and consistent in my relationships. I won’t take the time to explain each of those sections of the verses; you can do that on your own time if you want.
Ladies, I do not talk about spiritual things very often to the whole group. I just want each of you to know that I do care about you and what is going on in your lives. You matter to me. I want you to be your best in every area of your life.
Now, your turn. Please give me your thoughts.