When I wrote the first post on losing last night, I must admit that I was half asleep and ready to turn in for the night. However, it seems to have been something people were drawn to. Losing, that is. Mainly because we all resonate with it on some level. I’d like to think I resonate with winning more, though. Not like Charlie Sheen winning. Just winning in the sense of doing what God has set me here to do. We like to be successful. We like to associate with things that are successful.
Losing sucks. Let’s admit it. I understand that there are lessons to learn from losing. However, I think there are more things we can gain by doing what we’re supposed to do. Back to the soccer field for a minute. Understand, this is a recreation soccer league/team we have. Purpose #1 is to have a good time playing soccer. Purpose #2 is to teach fundamentals of soccer to the boys. Purpose #3 (for me at least) is to win. Really? #3? Yep. Now let me say this. It’s much easier to have a good time (#1) if you are winning. It’s much easier to spend time teaching fundamentals (#2) if you are winning. So….#3 makes it easier. Winning makes it easier to accomplish your other goals. If we are losing every game, it’s hard to find time to teach fundamentals or put a smile on our face in having a good time.
Ok…enough of the soccer analogy. If you are winning in life, i.e. doing what God has placed you here to do, having a good time and enjoying life (purpose #1 in the soccer analogy)comes much easier. It gets a little tricky here though. We are not here for our enjoyment. We are here to exalt Jesus. And when we decide to take that path, we are not always guaranteed enjoyment or an easy path. So the example only goes so far. #2, or teaching the fundamentals of being a disciple come much easier if we are “winning” by following Christ. Really, I’m not sure #2 happens without #3. We must realize that as we follow Jesus, we are much better aligned to His purposes when we do what He has created us to do.
Don’t lose by putting things before your purpose that shouldn’t be there. If God has CALLED you to do something specific, then do it. If God has placed that passion on your heart, it then becomes your responsibility to carry out the calling He has given you. Seriously. Don’t lose because you weren’t focusing on what is most important. That’s just a simple thing that we really can overcome by being obedient.
Loved BOTH your Losing blog post Mark. I am sorry your team didn't make it through but they are still winners, they made it to the tournament and in your first Losing Blog you were (after losing) able to let those boys know what the word "team" means. My oldest granddaughter, Breanna's team came in 2nd place for the tournament we are Clinton bound in 2 weeks. But during Bre's last minute warm up with one of her coaches, (she's goalie) he kick her the ball and it stove her wrist up and they had to let the ref. know she had a injury and did NOT get to play that last game Sun. evening. Only one definition for "team" lots of definitions for "winning" and "losing". I am proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Joyce Henderson | April 19, 2011 at 05:39 PM