Reflections from the Home Team – March 15, 2020
"We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball," Tom Hanks
Greetings from Cedar Falls,
My inbox has recently been bombarded with notices containing lists of things to do RIGHT NOW, given the Corona Virus situation currently facing us all. There are reminders to wash our hands, socially distance ourselves and practice good hygiene habits. All good reminders which we probably should be practicing regardless of the current situation. Many events are being postponed or cancelled in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus… Baseball, basketball, wrestling, hockey, Church services, large group meetings and conferences all done in an attempt to help protect each of us from contracting the virus. Being a member of the high-risk age group and given my compromised immune system from cancer treatments, it’s wise that I follow those bits of advice given by health professionals as a precaution.
However, I also need to keep reminding myself that I want faith to be an important part of my daily life plan as well, but somedays, given the constant barrage by the media, there seems to be no room for it because everything else is pushing it out of the way. Often, it may seem impossible to spend time finding faith amidst the chaos.
Certainly, it’s not always easy. What I’ve found comforting is stealing moments, wherever I can find them, to reconnect with God in the “jumble” of life. I’ve been there before, and I’m guessing I will be there in the future as well.
There are times when we face tough challenges that can seem overwhelming. We wonder at times like that how we will get through it. Here’s how - One small step at a time! We pull ourselves out of bed and we focus our attention on whatever small step is in front of us. And we do that over and over again and time passes and one day we look up and realize that we got through whatever it was, and things look a whole lot better than they did before.
It will take time to get there, but each step we take is a win for us. Those small victories eventually compound. It’s an approach the Navy SEALs take in a grueling training regimen during which more than two-thirds of those who enter the program quit before it is over. While the training is physically demanding, SEALs will tell you that mental strength and tenacity is more important than physical ability in terms of making it through to graduation. The same is true in life. Today, don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed by the big picture and what may be to come. Focus on the one step you need to take right now.
There are times when we face tough challenges that can seem overwhelming. We wonder at times like that how we will get through it. Here’s how - One small step at a time! We pull ourselves out of bed and we focus our attention on whatever small step is in front of us. And we do that over and over again and time passes and one day we look up and realize that we got through whatever it was, and things look a whole lot better than they did before.
It will take time to get there, but each step we take is a win for us. Those small victories eventually compound. It’s an approach the Navy SEALs take in a grueling training regimen during which more than two-thirds of those who enter the program quit before it is over. While the training is physically demanding, SEALs will tell you that mental strength and tenacity is more important than physical ability in terms of making it through to graduation. The same is true in life. Today, don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed by the big picture and what may be to come. Focus on the one step you need to take right now.
Many of you I’m sure know of Tom Hanks who starred in one of my favorite movies as Coach Jimmy Dugan in “A League of their Own”. You may also be aware that he and his wife Rita Wilson have recently been confirmed as having contracted the Corona Virus while working in Australia. He and his wife are taking this approach to dealing with their current situation commenting; "We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball." No complaining, no finger pointing, just taking things one step at a time until things get better.
Just a reminder that real security is knowing that no matter what challenges come our way today, we have what it takes to meet them. In this world there is no way to avoid negative events happening to us. Our strength comes from knowing that we can choose our response. Being an optimist, I try to wake up each morning thinking anything could happen today -- good or bad -- and whatever happens, I can deal with it! No crying in baseball and no crying in life.
For me, part of that response comes from the comfort I find in the Psalms, in particular, Psalm 46:10… “Be still and know that I am God.”
Being still reminds me that’s all that it takes… A moment in which to remember, to stop and take a deep breath, letting myself be aware that He is right there with me. Taking that thought with me helps me ease back into the day. By putting God first, spending some time talking to Him and learning about Him at the beginning of my day, everything else seem a whole lot more manageable and I feel more balanced, even if I just take five minutes to be still.
Peace infuses our surroundings when we slow down and feel God’s presence, but that doesn’t mean He is not also present in the often too-cluttered, hectic activities crowding our days. God is with us all the time. Just think how much more meaningful our days will be if we spend it noticing Him. I also find comfort in keeping up a running commentary with God, praying and thanking Him for the blessings I have been given and for the many people I’ve encountered on my life journey so far.
One of the elements that can also easily become part of our too-cluttered and hectic lives is the element of fear… Obviously, many people are feeling that concern given the constant reporting of numbers, statistics and models given the Corona outbreak. As always seems to be the case, Jon Gordon, an author I have relied heavily on to provide a positive and common-sense approach to life’s challenges addresses that in a recent post.
Jon writes:
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Please be safe and take care of each other today!
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:
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