Life may be more than a sport, but why shouldn't we play it like one?

As my sister left to warm up for her softball game, I caught myself advising her, "Don't just play. Keep your focus and intensity high, renew it every pitch. Be it offensively or defensively, each pitch is a separate attempt to win the game. Do what you need to do each pitch to accomplish that final goal." In baseball it is easy to fall into a rut where each pitch just kinda "happens". Be it a strike, ball, or just a routine pop fly, the game just goes on and the plays seem to "happen". This may work sometimes and you may be safe and win occasionally or even more than that, but to be the best you can be, you can't just "play and let things happen". You need to be intentional and constantly reminding yourself to be ready and alert.

I find myself far to often just going through life and doing the routine. We need to remember that each morning when we wake up, we should make a separate attempt to honor and serve the Lord. This could be your routine, but do each thing in the routine as a separate attempt to honor God and give Him your best. By separate, I mean, it doesn't depend on the past or future, live each moment like the glory of the Lords depends on it - like the game depends on each play. Each day from the Lord is a gift and it is up to us not take that for granted, but to use each and every opportunity we have (be it time spent with your family, time at work, or indulging the many areas of passion God has given us - like for me sports) to honor and bring glory to God. I think if we remember that, our lives will continue to be God focused and we will continue to experience the joy and peace of the Lord no matter what trials, difficulties, or wonderful opportunities come our way. Hey, Satan's not giving in, every one of his attacks are a separate and deliberate attempt on your soul and life, so you can't play the game any differently.

So to sum that up, my coaching word would be, "Don't just live, keep your intensity high and be intentional. Wake up each day and make it a separate attempt to bring honor to the Kingdom of Christ, being purposeful in your actions and deeds. Don't let the 'it's just another day' life play you, play it with intensity and passion."