Finishing Strong

by | Feb 2, 2015 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

In every game there is a winner and a loser.  (Yes, there can be ties, but I’m a firm believer that a tie is still a loss because no one actually WON.)   And man, it just really stinks to lose!!

A perfect example of a disappointing loss is the Seattle Seahawks losing to the New England Patriots in the last minute of Sunday’s Super Bowl.  An interception ended the game when a touchdown was within reach.   Sad, sad, sad.

Who throws a pass when you are only a few yards outside of the end zone with two more downs of play?!?!?!  You can only imagine the screaming and yelling that went on in my living room.

However, haven’t we all ‘thrown an interception’ when we were so close to victory? Grrrr….

My father-in-law used to always say he’d rather “lose by 1 than win by 20.”

I think this is an interesting and unique perspective for not only basketball games, but also on life.

To be honest, for the longest time I couldn’t understand why anyone would rather lose than win!  (Never said I was always quick on the uptake!!!)

I mean come on; life is about winning as much and as often as possible, right?

Well, that’s definitely not what Jesus tells us.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:25

The truth is that any game worth playing is going to be a good, hard, close competition full of cheers and jeers along the way.

And it’s not if we win or lose the game…it is how we PLAY.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Do you notice that James doesn’t say if you face trials but, WHEN YOU FACE TRIALS?

Unfortunately, most of us learn the hard way…which is why it is so important to realize that our hardships are learning experiences that produce the resources that will help us fulfill our purpose on Earth.

Last Saturday, my youngest son competed in his first gymnastics meet.  It was nerve racking, exciting and fun – all in one!

During his high bar routine (his best apparatus), Chase had so much power going that when he flipped over the bar he flew OFF THE BAR BACKWARDS!!!! (Momma about died.)  However, the coach picked him up, dusted him off and put him back on the bar to finish the routine.

After his landing, one of the judges said, “Now that’s what I call finishing strong.”

When all was said and done, Chase won three first place medals, three third place medals and one fourth place ribbon.  One of the first place medals was for ALL AROUND GYMNAST!!  Go Chase!  He was thrilled.

As we were talking after the meet, I told Chase that my favorite part of the meet was when he flew off the high bar and got back up and finished the event.  He asked me why and I told him, “It shows what kind of character you have when you fall and get back up – anyone can win, but not everyone knows how to persevere.”

Of course, I had to explain what ‘persevere’ means to the seven-year-old, but it was the thought that counts!!!

Life is full of losses…how do you deal with them in your life?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 28:6 – Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

2 Comments

  1. Julia White

    Meg……what a great reminder for me today to continue to press on toward the goal and persevere. What a great lesson for your son and a teachable moment. God continues to try and refine me daily. He’s really working on me heavy in some areas of my life that have been comfortable over the years. Now it’s up to me to persevere through the trial, let go of pride, be uncomfortable for a while and TRUST him to provide.

    Reply
    • meghays

      Thanks, Julia!! I have to try daily to trust in God’s plan and not take over!!! It’s definitely easier said than done!!! Hug those sweet girls for me!!!

      Reply

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