Be the Thankful ONE

Research has proven being thankful improves physical and emotional health--boosts immune system; increases blood supply to heart, heightens alertness, enthusiasm, and energy; improves sleep; and results in less stress and depression. Sign me up for that list!  However, a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude doesn’t come naturally and easily—especially in the world we live in today. Anytime we turn on the news, we are fed negative news. The best in people and the communities we live in are rarely broadcast for the world to see.

Let’s take a look at a story in the Bible about being thankful.  Jesus passed through a village and was spotted by ten lepers who wanted to be healed (Luke 17:11-19). As required by law, they kept their distance from Jesus but begged him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Instead of immediately healing the men, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest. As the ten lepers walked off to obey, they were healed. Despite this miraculous healing, only one of the men turned around to thank Jesus.  Jesus recognized this by asking “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”

Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness is more than a good idea; it’s a direct command from God. In the New Testament, we are instructed to be thankful in all circumstances--1 Thessalonians 5:18--give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  When facing trials and difficulties, this is a strange command.  In the world we live in today, we are encouraged to act on how we feel. But when we focus on being thankful--problems and concerns are kept in the right perspective.

A spirit of thankfulness honors God, strengthens our faith and relationships with other people, and helps us to be more healthy. Today, let’s be the ONE!  Be the one who turns and shows thankfulness as the one leper did. 

Challenge: Express to another person, particularly fellow official(s), something you are thankful for in this challenging season as an official. It doesn’t have to be specific to a person--think of times with your crew, travel graces, games worked, etc.  Express thankfulness!

“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”

Prepare to Sink

 “Do not waste time…Instead, train yourself to be godly.” -- 1 Timothy 4:7

Navy SEAL training is known as one of the toughest in all of the world. The training is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging.  SEALS that make it through the training will tell you as physical and emotional as it is, the intensity of  their preparation is the key to finishing. A key motto for Navy SEALS is “when under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training.” As officials, the concept is the same.  In last week’s devotion, an often stated motto used by officials was mentioned--“start perfect, and get better.”  Each game, we start perfect. The question is, do we sink or how far do we sink during the game when we face difficult calls or questioning from the coaches?  As officials, when our preparation is not as exceptional as it should be, we often see missed opportunities for a well-officiated game. When our preparation is focused and intense, we better  handle the challenges we face.  There’s an old saying that most athletes believe, and probably officials--“flip the switch” meaning we perform once the “lights turn on.”  In reality, individually and as a crew, we function to the degree of our preparation.  We should not wait until game time to “flip the switch.”

Two truths Jesus provided to prepare for life challenges:

1. “You will face many trials and sorrows...” (John 16:33a): Put away false belief of prosperity. No person avoids trouble very long. Officials face peaks and valleys before, during, and after games.  In times when setbacks and issues occur, we sink to the level of our training. Although we hope we can handle any situation that we face on and off the field, the better our preparation, the more likely a positive result--the less we sink.

2.  “...but take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33b):  Jesus states he has overcome the world (mocking by enemies, betrayal by followers) and offers to prepare us for whatever trials we face. These words are to encourage and embolden us. In that same context, the better trained and prepared we are to officiate, the more confident we can be to navigate the difficult game-time situations we face.

Individually and as crews, how we prepare looks different.  However, the one area preparation should be similar for all officials is INTENSITY.  Are we just going through the motions each week in our preparation or are we laser-focused on what we need to do individually and as a crew?

Am I preparing or pretending?

“Lord, train me. Use the everyday, normal circumstances to prepare me for trials. Remind me of Your presence today. Amen.”

Credit:  www.fcaresources.com

BE ON GUARD

Recently, Chick-Fil-A President and COO Tim Tassopoulos spoke to his employee base on the importance of recognizing and expressing the struggles that weigh on our hearts and minds.   Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

This verse is timely for 2020 with a pandemic, political tension, economic struggle, social injustice, and civil unrest.  Tim stated in his message “This is a time, more than ever, when you and I need to guard our hearts.”  Tim shared three risks everyone should look out for when facing trying times. I feel the same application can be made to officiating today.

Risk No. 1: Burnout;  Antidote: Restoration

As officials, the pressures and obstacles we face seem greater than ever before.  The fear is, especially during the season, pressure leads to exhaustion and burnout.  How do we avoid burnout? --prioritize restoration and rest.

• Consider how we spend our time during the week.  We have to continually review, study and prepare during the week.  However, do we also take time and moments away to recharge?  Taking time to unplug keeps our heart and minds healthy.
• Restoration and recharging include more than just physical rest. Consider other ways to recharge—exercising, spending time with family, going out to eat, enjoying a hobby, worshipping.

Risk No. 2: Perfectionism;  Antidote: Humility

Chick-fil-A customers have very high expectations because of the model of quality and service the company exemplifies in every customer transaction.  As officials, we often say we have to “start perfect and get better.”  The pressure we face to get EVERYTHING right is intense.  Coaches, administrators, players and fans expect officials to be right. In addition, we are our own worst critic.  Just this week a fellow official confided to me “I’ve been beating myself up all week about a call.”  We’ve all either said or felt that way.  So, how do we handle the pressure of always getting it right? --seek excellence instead of perfectionism and practice humility.  Tim explained “perfectionism is not looking at ourselves in a healthy way, but practicing humility helps us assess ourselves appropriately. Being humble means having the confidence to acknowledge you don’t have it all figured out.”  The key word in humility’s definition is “acknowledge.”  When we can acknowledge our mistake, learn from it, and apply what we learn going forward, humility is working and helping us achieve EXCELLENCE.

Risk No. 3: Isolation;  Antidote: Connection

Officials can feel isolated.  Because of the scrutiny placed on officials and public reprimands becoming commonplace, it is easy to isolate ourselves when games and/or plays don’t go right.  As an official, how do you avoid feeling like you are on an island by yourself?  --find connection with others. Tim said, “everyone needs connection because our hearts were created for relationships.”  Burnout and perfectionism can separate us from others. None of us can or should handle the expectations of officiating alone. How do we connect and with who?

• Connect with family and friends.  Sometimes we need people outside of officiating to talk with.
• Reach out to other officials you trust.  These officials are ones that don’t always tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
• Deepen your relationship with God. 

“Above all else guard your heart, for everything flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23