THE GAME OF LIFE

            I was recently privileged to provide leadership to the Nixa High School Eagles Freshman Volleyball team. What does an athletic game have to do with life? Life is lived-out with others and volleyball teaches important relational skills. Here are a few:

1.                  Unconditional love. The mere fact you are on the team is reason enough to love one another. Love is not based on performance yet people perform better and produce more when involved with others they love rather than endure.

2.                  Everyone gets the credit, no one gets the blame. All team members contribute to success and setbacks. Achievement as well as failure is done as a team. Do your finest to win and trust your teammates to make up the difference.

3.                  Life is not fair. Be thankful for what you get to do and give it your best. Everyone has a role, so flourish in the task. You never know what other opportunity may come because you did your assignment with excellence.

4.                  Respect those in authority. Coaches and game officials do not always make correct calls, yet honor their efforts. Judgment errors usually correct themselves in time.

5.                  Live and act humbly. Communicate who you are, both individually and as a team, by diligence instead of talk.

6.                  Win with grace, treating others with respect, and lose with dignity, giving 100% to the very end.

7.                  Everyone is allowed a mental meltdown, no one is perfect. Make it a good one then get up and try again.

8.                  Life is sometimes painful – this should come as no surprise. Make the necessary adjustments and work through the pain.

9.                  Life is meant to be enjoyed – celebrate it. Take pleasure in the victories, learn from the disappointments and look forward to what is coming next.

10.              Live life to the very end – never give up. You never know what unusual turn of events will make the outcome triumphant.

            The team saw inspiring moments and experienced great accomplishments. Funny moments also occurred, as there should be in life. Players were given assigned court positions and worked hard to master their responsibility. They made necessary mental and athletic adjustments to contribute to the team. Their willingness during practices and games to “keep focus, effectively communicate, and give maximum energy” was greatly rewarded. They demonstrated a peak performance and endless pursuit attitude.

            The team rose to the challenge and became proficient Nixa High School Eagles volleyball players. I congratulate them! May they do the same in the game of life.