Make the Most of LifeSample

I saw my month of June and July looking like this: rookie minicamp and organized team activities in June, then training camp starting mid-July. Like many other professional athletes, I had faith in the timely start and finish of the athletic season amid the COVID-19 pandemic – especially the NFL – and I believed life would take its normal course. But recent developments have made me realize how little control we actually have over our lives. This is something that I have had to come to peace with, quickly, despite the sense of security that control makes me feel.

So, as you have probably realized, you do not have control over a lot in your life. And that’s okay. Just think about this idea. From your inception, there are many examples of things you did not control: what family you were born into, where you were born and your biological parents. So yes, life is, and can be, unfair. We can’t all be blessed with LeBron James’ athleticism and physique or Ariana Grande’s voice…ughh. But what do we control? The short answer: nothing really. The short-but-longer answer: our response to challenges because we do have the freedom of choice. In fact, since you are blessed with the opportunity to be alive today, make the most of it, despite your circumstances. My bible study always falls back on this helpful quote talking about the power of the mind – “it can change Heaven into hell, hell into Heaven” (John Milton). It's quasi-cliché, but it is true. 

Reflection:  

What areas of your life have you been trying to control?