Reflections from the Home Team - July 2, 2019

“Tyler’s short career and life had many ups and downs in it, and unfortunately it ended abruptly with his unexpected death in Texas this morning. This morning, even with the faith that I have in God, it seemed unfair. It seemed like he had done all the right things. He had led a good life. He had overcome obstacles. He had excelled. He had been a great role model. Tyler was a truly good person. If he didn't ask the question—'Why me?'—I know I did… You know, "Why him? Why Tyler?”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

This morning, I became aware of the fact that Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs passed away suddenly at the age of 27. I began to follow Tyler in his second season of professional ball, when he was named to the Midwest League All Star team. Tyler, who was playing for the Los Angeles Angels’ double A affiliate the Cedar Rapids Kernels as a starting pitcher was one of seven teammates who appeared that year in the Midwest League All-Star game. The Angels were his favorite team growing up, and it was certainly one of the “ups” in his short life that they drafted him. Tyler was part of the same Angels draft class as Mike Trout, and they were roommates in the low minor leagues before Tyler was traded to Arizona. They played on the same team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 2010.

Tyler’s success drew attention from other teams in the league and he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, which was a disappointment for Tyler given his love of the Angel’s organization. He made his major league debut in 2012 with six starts for the Diamondbacks and had a roller coaster year in 2013 moving between minor league teams and the majors before coming back to the Angels as part of a three-team deal between the Angels, Diamondbacks and White Sox.

“It was a dream come true,” Tyler said in 2014. “The fact that I was drafted by my favorite team; I was head over heels. Then when they traded me, I was heartbroken. But now I’m back! And I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Tyler experienced a number of challenges in his short career, including “Tommy John surgery” in 2014; and he was also put on the MLB’s disabled list for a left abductor sprain in 2018, after already landing on the list earlier that year and in 2017. He became a fixture on the Angels roster in 2016 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made a career-high 24 starts last year, but missed time in April this season because of a sprained ankle before coming back strong.

The purpose of sharing Tyler’s background brings me to the focus of this reflection. Tyler’s short career had many ups and downs in it, and unfortunately it ended abruptly with his unexpected death in Texas this morning. This morning, even with the faith that I have in God, it seemed unfair. It seemed like he had done all the right things. He had led a good life. He had overcome obstacles. He had excelled. He had been a great role model. Tyler was a truly good person. If he didn't ask the question—'Why me?'—I know I did… You know, "Why him? Why Tyler?”

My mind and thoughts have been troubled today thinking about the tragic loss of this young man while also reflecting on the number of challenges that can accompany the cancer journey. I know that in visiting with others who have experienced the cancer journey, or for that matter, any of the curveballs that life can throw our way, those thoughts can bring a wave of feeling helpless in trying to know how to deal with them, while also sneaking in the thought of ‘Why Me’?

A verse from Philippians has helped me deal with those thoughts…

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 

I’ll be honest, sometimes I’ll read that verse from Philippians and think to myself: This is a tough pill to swallow. Content in any and every situation? Really?  When I think back to cancer treatments and the pains and discomfort as well as the ongoing “stuff” that remains as a result, it certainly is tempting to want to wallow in the "why" questions and ask God some questions...

Why did this happen?

Why didn’t You stop this, God?

Why weren’t my prayers answered?

Most all of us have had situations in our life where it’s so tempting to wallow in the "why." I guess asking why is normal, but I’ve found that if asking this question pushes me further from God rather than drawing me closer to Him, it is the wrong question. If asking the why question doesn’t offer hope, then what will? The what question seems to help me with that... In other words: "Now that this is my reality, what am I supposed to do with it?"

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

I like to call this verse, “directions on where to park my mind.” Instead of wallowing in why did this happen, I’ve had to do some self talk by acknowledging this is my reality…

Now what am I going to do with it?

What can I learn from this?

What part of this is for my protection?

What other opportunities could God be providing?

What maturity could God be building into me?

Switching from the “why” to the “what” questions paves the road to parking my mind in a much better place...

Is it always easy? No. But is it a way to find a perspective beyond situations where we feel God has allowed something in our lives we don’t understand and we absolutely don’t like? Yes, it is, and I pray this process helps because even if my circumstances aren’t good, I can trust God’s purpose always is.

I want to process everything I face in life through the filter of His love. I know He loves me, but sometimes it’s just hard to understand the circumstances that come my way. I find myself consumed with trying to figure things out rather than looking for His perspective and trusting Him. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

By placing His thoughts and love above mine, it helps me navigate the roller coaster of life.

As is usually the case, my favorite author Jon Gordon shared some powerful thoughts on “Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Life” that arrived in my inbox at just the right time. I wanted to share those words with you and hope they inspire you as they did me.

Jon writes:

Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Life

If you have ever been on a roller coaster you know it's filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, excitement, anticipation, fear, and relief.  Once the ride starts, there's no turning back. You are along for the ride and how you handle it determines whether it's an enjoyable or miserable experience. When I talk to people who are struggling in life and wanting to escape, I explain to them that if they were on a roller coaster for the first time and didn't know the roller coaster continued on an upward trajectory after racing towards the ground they would want to jump off and escape to avoid a crash. Unfortunately that's how a lot of people feel when they are experiencing fear, anxiety and stress and riding an emotional roller coaster. They try to escape because they feel like they are about to crash.  The key, however, is to not to escape but to keep going, knowing that even though you feel like you are going to crash, you won't, and if you hold on, you'll ride back to the top. When you remind yourself that ups and downs are a part of life and your current emotional state is just a temporary part of the journey, you won't resist the tough part of the ride. Instead you will flow with it, your emotional state will rise and you’ll be on the upswing before you know it.  On the other hand, some of us don't choose to escape. Some of us, when we feel pressure and stress hold on for dear life and are miserable the entire time. We hold on so tight that we don't enjoy the ride.  I know this well because at times I have found myself resisting rather than enjoying life.  That's no way to live.   So then, how should we ride the roller coaster of life?  If you've ever seen someone who loves roller coasters riding one then you know what enjoying the ride looks like and they give us a picture of how we should embrace the roller coaster of life.  Scream, laugh, smile, cry and feel all the emotions the ups and downs and twists and turns bring.  And most of all... Put your hands in the air and enjoy the ride!  -Jon

When faced with life’s challenges, let’s shift our thinking from the “why” to the “what” questions while parking our minds in a much better place... By placing His thoughts and love above ours, we can better navigate the roller coaster of life.

In Christ’s love and comfort,

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/