Practice & Prepare
FIFA World Cup is a buzz at our house today, especially after yesterday’s crushing defeat of Brazil by Germany. They were outplayed by Germany, and the opportunity for a World Cup lost.
Today, I sit watching my daughter, sweat with a smile through the training of soccer camp!
It’s a UK camp focusing on the fundamentals of “futbol” and as I listen to the coach instruct the girls I noted a correlation to spiritual training. To play well in the game season she must have the discipline of training.
Great teams prepare well. They don’t run on the edge of their abilities. Hoping that by chance they can secure a charging victory won by emotions and will alone. Yes, we must practice. We prepare our bodies, and apply our talent to train. We discipline our lives to run with fluid ability and strategic preparation.
We can’t lead our families and communities from empty fumes. Take time to pause and practice. Prepare your heart and gaurd it.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
When we are properly prepared, we are not frantic or striving spiritually. Our hearts are solid, ready and less likely to snap at another or give in to frustration. We are rested and ready to humbly serve. We must learn to do good and train toward goodness.
…learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (Isaiah 1:17 ESV)
3 Spiritual training questions for you!
1) Are you exhausted and often short with those around you?
If you said yes, “pause play” so to speak and regain strength. Gaurd your heart!
2) What do you have to do to prepare before you jump back in?
Take a class. Practice using the gifts of God. Find a group of like minded individuals. Learn.
3) Are you running a sustainable pace? Consider creating margin in your schedule.
