7 Habits of a Grateful AthleteSample

GRATEFUL ATHLETES RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WHO GO UNNOTICED

As Jesus teaches and heals, people come from everywhere to see him. At one point, people bring children to see him but the disciples won’t have any of it. In fact, the Bible says the disciples rebuked them. The disciples fell victim to an ageless assumption: people who are important in societies eyes don’t have time for the ones society deems unimportant. And children were some of the least important members of society in Jesus’ day. But Jesus’ Kingdom is an upside-down Kingdom. He places a high value on the outcasts, the forgotten, and the overlooked. He makes time for those very people the culture aggressively ignores.  

How about you? As an athlete, people look up to you. Our culture has labeled you as important and highly valued. While our culture appreciates moments when you show kindness to others, it certainly doesn’t expect you to do it on a habitual basis. But remember, Jesus desires we live in his upside-down Kingdom. So how can you grow your gratitude muscles in His Kingdom? By playing by His rules. 

Grateful athletes shake the hand the of maintenance worker who helps cut the grassy field that they are about to tear up with their cleats or the janitor who mops the floor so their feet won’t slide on the dust. They write their athletic trainer a thank you note for taping them up, helping them rehab, or stretching them out before practice. They give a hug to the die-hard fan that is at every game and cheers for his/her team regardless of the outcome. They recognize the ones that go unrecognized by the other athletes, coaches, and fans. 

Today’s Gratitude Challenge: Find someone who helps out around your team (trainer, maintenance worker, volunteer) and thank them for everything they do. If you don’t know their name, ask first, then thank them second!