Finish Well

Do we finish things well?  The answer is probably Yes and No—some things we do, some things we don’t.  Everything we do has a finish point—it’s not an option……

·         Kids grow up and leave our house (maybe/hopefully!)

·         Our jobs end sometimes at our choice and sometimes not by our choice.

·         Officials advance to the next level, get a better or worse season rating, change positions, change conferences, retire, or don’t get asked back.

No matter what stage we are at, how we finish is important.  Not only is it important to finish, it is equally or more important to finish with the right attitude.  Because how we finish our current assignment will likely determine our next assignment.

In 1 Peter 5:10, Peter explains the hope, determination, and strength of finishing strong…..

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Notice the first part of this verse…”…suffered for a little while.”  In most anything we do, suffering is a part of it.  In officiating, suffering is certainly part of the business-- waiting on the next opportunity to advance, making an game impacting call that’s incorrect, getting injured, receiving a bad rating, or not getting an assignment we thought we would get or thought we deserved more than someone else.

However, in situations we find ourselves down or “suffering”, if we press on and focus on finishing strong, this verse first states it will only last “a little while.”  Then, what lies ahead is restoration, conformation, and strength which will “establish you”—meaning settle and fix us firmly.  Being established could be the most vital one for officials.  When faced with a difficult situation, our hearts and minds often get “unsettled.”  However, relying on past experiences and coming through those times can help us be “established” or ”settled” to make it to the finish—and to do it well. 

So, no matter your situation or position—a first year official ending your first year or a seasoned official ending your career, finish well—because how you finish will likely determine your next assignment!

GREATNESS

GREATNESS

Legendary coach John Wooden coined a phrase “competitive greatness”--striving to be the best we can, not trying to be the best.   Coach Wooden defined competitive greatness as a real love for hard battle, knowing it offers the opportunity to be at our best when our best is required.

Three concepts help grasp competitive greatness:

1)       Be Prepared! Wooden would spend 30 minutes teaching his players to put on socks. He said “I derived great satisfaction from identifying and perfecting those ‘trivial’ and often troublesome details, because I knew . . . that each one brought UCLA a bit closer to our goal: competitive greatness.” Having a passion to prepare will help us face the battle without fear.

2)       Be Disciplined! If integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching, then competitive greatness is working hard when no one is watching. Martin Luther wrote, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays—not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”

3)       Be Focused! Competitive greatness is focusing on a clear vision and not being sidetracked. Bill Hybels says vision is a picture of the future that produces passion.

Proverbs 2:7 (NIV)   He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.

Thanks for All

Thanks for All

From “Today” devotions (Nov. 24, 2005)

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18                           

The  belief in the divine guidance of God makes it possible for us to be "thankful when things go well" and "patient when things go against us".  So, that makes us sometimes thankful and sometimes patient.

Paul said it is God's will for us to be thankful "in all circumstances."  Note Paul did not say we should be thankful for all circumstances but in all.  When things seem to go against us, God expects us to be grateful that He will help us endure under the strain.

Do you find it equally difficult to be thankful when things are going well?  When things go well, we have so much to be grateful for. But, the very nature of human beings, even if a Christian, is to overlook the good gifts God gives us every day.

Today, exercise the gift of noticing. Notice what you see, what you have, and who is with you. Notice the color, beauty, and variety around you. Keep noticing, and make a list of the gifts you notice.  

As an official, be thankful for the opportunity God gives you to be a part of a game that you love.  In officiating, we are thankful in the good times and hope that we can be patient in the tough times.  Be thankful for the family support we receive and the support from fellow officials.  Finally, be thankful that you can touch the lives of others through officiating and also look for ways to be the “Thanks” someone needs.

Mental Toughness

7 Habits Of People With Remarkable Mental Toughness

JEFF HADEN, INC.

JUL. 23, 2014, 3:46 PM (Business Insider)

"The ability to work hard and respond resiliently to failure and adversity; the inner quality that enables individuals to work hard and stick to their long-term passions and goals."

the word:  Grit.

The definition of grit almost perfectly describes qualities every successful person possesses, because mental toughness builds the foundations for long-term success. Successful people are great at delaying gratification, withstanding temptation, overcoming fear (doesn't mean they aren't scared — that does mean they're brave.)

Ways to become mentally stronger and more successful:

1. Always act as if you are in total control.
"Pray as if God will take care of all; act as if all is up to you."

Many people feel luck has a lot to do with success or failure. Most successful people do sense good luck played some role in their success. But, they don't wait for good luck or worry about bad luck. If they succeed, they caused it. If they fail, they caused it. By not wasting mental energy worrying about what might happen to you, put all your effort into making things happen.  You can't control luck, but it can definitely control you.

2. Put aside things you have no ability to affect.

Mental strength is like muscle strength — no one has an unlimited supply. Don’t waste your power on things you can't control.

3. See the past as valuable training … and nothing more.

The past is valuable. Learn from your mistakes and mistakes of others.  When something bad happens to you, see it as an opportunity to learn something you didn't know. When another person makes a mistake, don't just learn from it — see it as an opportunity to be kind, forgiving, and understanding. The past is just training; it doesn't define you. Think about what went wrong but only in terms of how you will make sure that next time you and the people around you know how to make sure it goes right.

4. Celebrate the success of others.

When someone else shines, does that diminishes the light from our stars? Resentment sucks up a massive amount of mental energy — energy better applied elsewhere. Don't resent success of others.  Create and celebrate it wherever you find it, and in time you'll find even more of it in yourself.

5. Never allow yourself to whine. (Or complain. Or criticize.)

Your words have power, especially over you. Whining about your problems always makes you feel worse, not better. Put that mental energy into making the situation better. Don't talk about what's wrong. Talk about how you'll make things better, even if that conversation is only with yourself.

6. Focus only on impressing yourself.

A relationship not based on substance is not a real relationship.  Genuine relationships make you happier, and you'll form genuine relationships only when you stop trying to impress and start trying to just be yourself and you will have more mental energy to spend on the people who really do matter in your life.

7. Count your blessings.

Take a second every night before you turn out the light and, in that moment, quit worrying about what you don't have. Quit worrying about what others have that you don't. Think about what you do have. You have a lot to be thankful for.  Feeling better about yourself is the best way of all to recharge your mental batteries.

1 Corinthians 16:13:  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

 

Opportunity

credit given to....www.worthydevotions.com

Deut. 20:4:  For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.

When we are in deep in a situation and are not sure what the outcome is going to be, do you look at it as an opportunity?

An organization in Montana offered a bounty of five thousand dollars for every wolf captured ALIVE. Two hunters decided to make some money capturing wolves. Day and night, they searched the mountains and forests.  They spent three unsuccessful days hunting.  After falling asleep on the third night, one of the hunters suddenly woke up and looked out their tent to find the two were surrounded by a pack of fifty wolves, their eyes flaming and teeth showing.  Immediately, one hunter yelled to the other, "Hey, wake up! We're gonna be rich!"

In the mist of a difficult situation, we can feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we feel like we are surrounded and about to be attacked by a pack of wolves.  But, can difficulties actually be opportunities?  Certainly, God can show His presence by taking the situation and turn it for His Glory.  It creates opportunities for us to become stronger and testify of His goodness.  One difficult thing to understand is the end result may not be what we expected or what we wanted.  But, when you are relying on God’s power, He will show you what needed to be learned from the “opportunity”.

As officials, we can often feel like we are surrounded by wolves--coaches, fans, media, Supervisors, and even fellow officials.  However, when in the middle of situation, do we say “We’re gonna be rich”—meaning we will be better on the other side than where we started.

We have the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the grace and power of God through trials, or “opportunities”. 

Now, let’s go get rich and capture wolves!

The Emotional Roller Coaster

What feelings do you get when you ride a roller coaster?  For some people, it’s a high!  For other people, it’s terrifying.  Life is the same way--like the old saying “life is a roller coaster.”  At times, we can be sent rocketing toward adrenaline-boosted highs. But, then, it can also throw us into a downward spiral with emotional lows.

Life as an official is no doubt the same:  adrenaline-boosting highs and downward spiraling lows.  The question is this:  when you get off the roller coaster—how do you feel?  Some people get off a roller coaster and are ready to jump back in line.  Others get off the same ride to find the nearest trash can!  As officials, we want to find the middle.  Our emotions don’t need to be bound to these ups and downs.  If we appear too confident when things go well and we are on a high, we may lose focus on what got us to the high.  On the other hand, when we are at a point things seem to be spiraling downward, we can’t keep looking down.

The goal is to model consistency in our emotions.  When were in the game (riding the roller coaster), our emotions need to be steady.  The key is to have steady emotions both outwardly and inwardly.  Then, at the end of game (when we exit the roller coaster), we don’t want to get caught in a trap of being emotionally high or heading for the nearest trash can.

2 Timothy 1: 7:  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

God did not give us a spirit of cowardice or of fear.  He gives us a spirit of power, love, calmness, well balanced mind, discipline and self-control.  In reality, we may not always act in this way.  But, we must remember that’s how we were made and have the ability to control our emotions.

“One thing you can't hide - is when you're crippled inside.” ― John Lennon

Sometimes you succeed.... and other times you learn.

Evaluate:  to determine the significance or quality of; assess

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw. Proverbs 24:32

How many agree with this old saying?......"Experience is the best teacher."  The answer is NO.  Experience is a great teacher only if take the time to evaluate our experiences.

"Mindless activities create shallow thinking, while evaluated action broadens our perspective."

 

We can go through life at home, at work and in our preparation to be an official without any real sense of understanding whether our experience was right, wrong or indifferent.  The key is to observe, evaluate, learn and apply lessons.  Going back to evaluate our experiences is a very good use of our time.

Do you consider yourself an Employee or an Entrepreneur?  There is a big mindset difference between the two...................an employee sees failure as rejection; entrepreneur sees failure as correction.  Experiencing failure, for a successful entrepreneur is feedback, a way to learn and grow.  One of the greatest entrepreneur’s of our time, Bill Gates, said this….

It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.

Now, the quote from the beginning should be changed to "Evaluated experience is the best teacher."  We draw lessons from the past only when we study it.  So, don't just accept experiences for what they are.  Study them; see what you learned, and how or what you would change going forward, if anything.

“What a person knows at fifty that he did not know at twenty is not the knowledge of formulas or forms of words, but of people, places, actions—a knowledge gained by touch, sight, sound, victories, failures, sleeplessness, devotion, love—the human experiences and emotions of this earth and of oneself and of other men.”

~ Adlai Stevenson, former Governor of Illinois and two-time Democratic nominee for President of the United States

Success

 

How do you define success? 

The first key to success is FOCUS.  Our focus must be in the right place.  Officials want to be successful as individuals and as a crew and there is a delicate balance between individual success and crew success.

What happens if we are not successful?  Look at your FOCUS.  How quick do you learn and move on?  Does your lack of success compound into other failures?  Or, do you focus on how to be better going forward?  It’s not easy with so much emphasis placed on what is wrong or what has been missed.  Recognize our mistakes, learn from them, and keep our focus on how to be successful going forward using what we have learned from our mistakes/failures.

Here’s the challenge:  Keep the right focus, Lead with the right focus, and Learn with the right focus.

One success story from the Bible is King Uzziah.  His story is told in 2 Chronicles 26: 1-23. He was king for 52 years, becoming King at the age of 16. His achievements brought him fame.  He was skilled in organizing, delegating, building and was a great warrior.  But, as he achieved more and more success and fame, he became prideful in his later years as king which ultimately led to his failure and death.

Key to Success:  FOCUS

In 2 Chronicles 25: 5, King Uzziah success was a result of his focus on seeking God. 

2 Chronicles: 5:  He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.

One thing that destroys Success:  Pride

In 2 Chronicle 26: 16, King Uzziah became so prideful he thought he was god.

2 Chronicles 26: 16:  But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.

How to maintain success:  Be humble and be thankful.

In all the verses concerning King Uzziah and his reign as king, there is no account of the Uzziah ever showing appreciation of the gifts, abilities and successes God provided him.

We are never closer to failure than during our greatest successes.

Be thankful for what you have accomplished.  Be humble that you have been given the opportunities you have received and continue to work hard to accomplish even greater performance.

Yes or No-Face

The following devotion was created from a devotion on www.fcaresources.com.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  – Galatians 5:22

President Thomas Jefferson was traveling with a group across the country on horseback in the early 1800’s.  The group approached a large river that needed to be carefully crossed. A stranger appeared and wondered how he was going to get across. He looked at the President and asked if he could get a ride across the river. Thomas Jefferson said, “Sure, hop on!” As the stranger slid off the horse on the other side, someone questioned why he asked the President for a ride and not someone else in the group. The stranger replied, “I didn’t know he was the President. All I know is that his face said yes, and all your faces said no!”  For some of us, our face has already spoken before we even open our mouths.

Unfortunately, many officials, coaches, athletes, teachers, neighbors, bosses, and friends wear the No-Face. Many don’t realize they are coming across that way and don’t want to wear the No-Face.  But, some people are great at wearing the Yes-Face. Who has that been in your life--a coach, teacher, parent, spouse, or boss?

Coaches, Players, and Crewmates watch our non-verbal communication. They often know what we are saying without us saying a word.  What does a Yes-Face say? Here are 10 defining characteristics of a Yes-Face:

1.       Positive

2.       Trusting

3.       Confident

4.       Refreshing

5.       Smiling

6.       Available

7.       Approachable

8.       Inviting

9.       Gentle

10.   Forgiving

A Yes-Face is simply the outward expression of an inward experience. As followers of Christ, the inward experience is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

“Just as water reflects your face, so your face mirrors your heart.”–Proverbs 27:19

1.          How can a crewmate(s) with a No-Face impact the crew dynamic? How about Yes-Face?

2.          Who in your life would win a Yes-Face gold medal?

3.          What is your face saying? What would your crew say?

10 Commandments of Officiating

Over the years, watching ESPN’s Top 10 Plays of the Day was something to look forward to late at night.  Now, you can even watch the “Not So Top 10.”  It’s amazing to watch how the greatest athletes in the world can make an amazing play and in the next minute, see some of the worst plays.  David Letterman also made his Top 10 list famous with his comical late-night list.  In the Bible, God created the original Top 10--Ten Commandments.   In Exodus 20: 2-17, the Ten Commandments are given by Moses…

1. Thou shall have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shall have no Idols.
3. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and mother.
6. Thou shall not kill.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery.
8. Thou shall not steal.
9. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor—love your neighbor as yourself.
10. Thou shall not covet.

The 10 Commandments in the Bible were God’s instructions on how we should live our lives on earth.  As I thought about these Commandments, I starting thinking—what would be the Ten Commandments of Officiating?  I want to challenge you (and me) to develop your 10 Commandments of Officiating.  As officials, we have great responsibility in our dealings with our crewmates, Supervisors, coaches, administrators, and players.  What are the underlying values/commandments that help us in officiating?

Composure

the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself.

Other words:  self-control, self-command, calm, poise, presence of mind

Opposite: Upset, disagreement, instability

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13

Passages of consequence with a lack of self-control:

·        Eve and Adam eat forbidden fruit–disobeys God. (Genesis 3:17-19)
·        Cain kills Abel–does not control his envy and jealousy. (Genesis 4)
·        Esau trades birthright for porridge–does not control his hunger. (Genesis 25:29-34)
·        Lot’s wife turns into pillar of salt–does not control longings. (Genesis 19:15-26)
·        Moses kills an Egyptian–doesn’t exercise forbearance and restraint. Seeks to exact justice that was not his to render. (Exodus 2:14)
·        Peter’s blow to soldier’s ear when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:49-51)

Examples of self-control:

·        Joseph ran from Pharoah’s wife–didn’t succumb to her deception. (Genesis 39)
·        Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations in wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11)
·        Jesus waiting three days, and not going to Lazarus before he died. Emotion did not dictate His actions. (John 11)

Developing Biblical Self-Control (By Rick Warren)

People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)

People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)

People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)

People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)

UNASSUMING (The Power in Humility)

Definition:  modest, lacking in arrogance, pleasant, or polite.

Other words for Unassuming:  Modest, humble, meek, ordinary, down-to-earth

The meaning of humility in the Bible is one of loving others, not being a wimp!

The power in humility in action……….

1)     You can defuse arguments. (Proverbs 15:1)  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2)     You can handle unfair treatment peacefully. (Ephesians 4:31-32)  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
3)     You do not have to put on a "false front".  (Micah 6:8)  He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
4)     You can eat "humble pie" without being crushed. (Proverbs 15:31-33)  If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
5)     You can ask for forgiveness.  (Matthew 5:23-24) Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
6)     You can talk with the right attitude.  (Ephesians 4:29) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
7)     You can speak directly.  (Matthew 21:12)  Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.

Result of Humility:  Strength Under Control

Team of Individuals

High performing teams are made up of great individuals. Those individuals have to do their part to be a great team. So what does it take? How do you prepare to do your part for the team?

Think about teams you've been a part of or have seen that were successful. What characteristics did they have that enabled them to be successful?   Here is a list for a team of officials.....(1) physically fit; (2) solid rules knowledge; (3) mental focus; and (4) unselfishly serve. Although all are important, #4 can be the toughest and the key to success.

Unselfishly serve means you do what it takes for the team to be successful. You may get the glory, or you may be in the background. But, the contributions made by those who unselfishly serve are immeasurable. These individuals celebrate successes, lift those up who need help, and seek help for their own struggles. The great thing about unselfishly serving is we all have the ability to do it.

In Exodus 17: 8-13, two guys unselfishly served which enabled the Israelites to win a battle.......

 

(8) The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.  (9) Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” (10) So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  (11) As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (12) When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. (13) So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Amalekites were a fierce tribe who often killed for pleasure.  The Israelites were viewed as easy pray for the Amalekites.  What helped the Israelites defeat the Amalekites?  A group led by God and were obedient to God and supportive of each other.

Aaron and Hur were Moses’ top leaders, his right-hand men.  When Joshua picked these two men, he picked two of the most important men to do what seemed like a meaningless job.  But, Aaron and Hur enabled Moses to maintain vigil on behalf of the army. Moses stood over the battlefield with his wooden staff in his hand and his command staff at his side. His prayerful presence aided the morale of the troops.

Aaron and Hur were supportive in their roles, even though their roles did not appear to be that significant.  This illustrates in a team, we are called to various services.  For the Israelites, Joshua fought, Moses prayed, and Aaron and Hur obeyed.  Then, by Aaron and Hur stepping up, Moses and Joshua were able to do their jobs.

As an officiating crew, that's who we are--Team of Individuals.  Each one of us has jobs/functions we must do to make our team successful.  Here are some questions to think about:

What must I do to help the team function at the highest level?

What happens to the team when someone doesn't perform at the highest level?
How can we help a crewmate that needs help?
 
"Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success."