Traits That Make Athletes GreatSample

Jordan's Best Gift

Among the many things said about Michael Jordan during The Last Dance documentary, the following comment made by Mark Vancil (the author of Michael Jordan’s biography) was particularly interesting:

“His gift was not that he could jump high, run fast, shoot a basketball. His gift was that he was completely present, and that was the separator.”

Thinking only about what was going on at that moment must have helped give Jordan the consistency needed to play at such an elite level. He didn’t allow himself to be distracted by the next shot. Instead, he concentrated on doing whatever he could during each play.

I love Vancil’s insight into Jordan’s mindset because being present is a valuable skill to have for life in general. Unfortunately, most of us spend too much time replaying past failures and agonizing over our future.

We also tend to be concerned with where we’re going next and what we’re going to do when we get there. We have a tough time embracing the moment and making the most of where we are.

Of course, there are times to learn from our past and plan for our future, but there’s a lot to enjoy in the present.

The following verses can help challenge us to be more focused on the now instead of worrying about what’s next:

Matthew 6:34 says, “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.”

Proverbs 27:1 tells us, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

By following Jesus one step at a time, we can trust Him with our future as we live in the present.

Today, let’s not be distracted by what’s already happened or what might take place in the future. Instead, let’s cherish the gift of being present…in His presence.

1 Chronicles 16:11 encourages us to “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek his presence continually!”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I dwell on the past and worry about my future too often. Please help me to embrace the present and be aware of Your presence. I know I can’t change the past and I’m not guaranteed tomorrow, so I pray You’d strengthen me to be and do what You desire right now. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.