Even Better

Tom Brady is one of those football players people either love or love to hate. One thing that no one can deny, he is one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. Consider the following stats:

Ø  Most NFL Championships: 7

Ø  Most Super Bowl MVP: 5

Ø  Most Valuable Player awards: 3

Ø  Only player to win the Super Bowl with AFC and NFC teams

Ø  For his career stats, during his last two seasons:

o   Most pass completions

o   Most yards thrown

o   Highest pass completion percentage

o   Year before his retirement, 2^nd most passing TDs

Considering all these achievements, who would have thought a 6th round draft pick (199 overall) would have accomplished all he did in his career? Even without personally knowing Tom Brady, one thing you can gather from his career, he used his talents and abilities to get better over his career, until the very end.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul was teaching and encouraging the churches that we have purpose, talents, and gifts to use. In 1 Corinthians 12: 31, Paul encourages us to “desire the best” and seek to be better using our talents and abilities. Examples of the gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, and spiritual discernment and were to help with the functioning of the church. Paul wanted believers to pursue to be better while achieving even more excellence.

1 Corinthians 12: 31: “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I will show you a more excellent way.” (NKJV).

Similar to what Paul was teaching concerning Spiritual gifts, as Officials each of us brings something different and unique to the crew. Here are a few examples: proper communication with coaches, players, and officials; calmness; rules knowledge; common sense; relationship building; organization; and comic relief.

As we bring our talents and abilities to the crew, we should strive for still a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12: 31 challenges us to “desire the best” and seek to be better. In the pursuit to be better, we will achieve even more excellence. Looking back at the career of Tom Brady, he achieved excellence by desiring to be the best all the way to the end of his career. Our challenge is to do the same. Even with the officiating talents and abilities we have, seek ways to improve communication, to strengthen our crew chemistry, to be leaders in our position, and to prepare for each assignment.

Let’s desire a more excellent way.

 “I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” -Abraham Lincoln

 

Easy vs Hard

In general, when faced with the choice between easy or hard, most people pick easy even without knowing what the task is. But in life, easier is not always better. Consider the following things in life we face or do and the difference between easy and hard.

In life,

Criticizing is easy…Contributing is difficult.

Complaining is easy…Finding a solution is difficult.

Judging is easy...Listening is difficult.

Pointing fingers is easy…Leading is difficult.

Being offended is easy…Being unoffendable is difficult.

Bonnie Sala, President & CEO of Guidelines International Ministries, states the Bible illustrates we were made to struggle and to become better through difficulties.

Matthew 7:14: For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life; those who find it are few.

Romans 5: 3-4: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Humans are made to do hard things because out of failures and struggles, we grow. In Matthew 7:14, Jesus teaches that the way to abundant life is thru the narrow gate which is hard and very few do the difficult work. Jesus then teaches in Romans 5 that we can stand tall in our difficulties because of what is produced—perseverance, character, and hope.

Officiating is hard. Because of how difficult it is, very few people try to officiate. Then, to do it well there are struggles, sufferings, and frustrations such as learning rules and mechanics, making the wrong calls, and not getting the assignments we think we deserve. But, when officials persevere, it is rewarding emotionally, mentally, and physically to know we are part of a game so many people enjoy. Now, let’s look at easy verses hard in officiating.

In officiating,

Criticizing other officials is easy…Being critical of yourself is difficult.

Disagreeing with assignments is easy…Officiating any game assigned is difficult.

Dismissing evaluation is easy…Learning from evaluation is difficult.

Accusing others for your mistake is easy…Owning your actions is difficult.

Worrying what supervisors and coaches think is easy…working the next play is difficult.

Do difficult work!

“Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.”
― Alex Harris, Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

Thermostat or Thermometer

Thermostats set temperature, whereas thermometers measure temperature. Even though both thermostats and thermometers deal in monitoring temperature, they are used in very different ways.

During the COVID pandemic, one of the common tests to measure body temperature involved using a thermometer. If your body temperature was elevated above the normal 98.8 degrees, you were “running a fever” --one of the signs of a potential virus.  The thermometer provides vital information concerning one’s health by measuring the temperature.

A thermostat, on the other hand, helps regulate the temperature. When the weather changes, we use the thermostat connected to our central air and heat unit to regulate the temperature in our home. The thermostat is critical to helping us change the temperature to be comfortable. It helps us to be more proactive in controlling a desired temperature.

In life, there are times we need to be a thermometer and times we need to be a thermostat. As a thermometer, we observe what others are thinking, what they are saying, and how they are reacting. We gauge the temperature of our surroundings. As a thermostat, though, we regulate the temperature. When the temperature is rising around us, we can be the thermometer to have positive influence.

When we feel tension from players and coaches, we need to be able to measure the degree to which the “temperature” is rising. Then, we need to be the thermostat that regulates the temperature and comfortably handles the situation. How do we use our thermostat to influence the temperature around us? (1) listen intently to coaches and crewmates, (2) use positive verbal and non-verbal language when communicating, (3) be understanding in difficult situations, and (4) display good character by doing the right thing at the right time.

Paul encouraged “son in faith” Timothy with these words in I Timothy 4:12, Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  Paul challenged Timothy to be a thermostat by being the example.  Paul wanted Timothy to influence and impact the world and not let the world set the temperature in his life.  The world around us often sets the temperature and we simply fit in, fly under the radar, and go with the ups and downs of life. We merely live by the temperature set for us by others in our culture.  The challenge is for us to set the temperature.  How do we do that? Romans 12: 2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.

Under Control

The weather forecast shows a 90% chance of snow with a low of 25 degrees. Road conditions are expected to be hazardous and local authorities are asking people to stay home and avoid traveling if possible. In that scenario, what is out of and under our control? Weather conditions are out of our control.  If it snows, it snows. The low temperatures are out of our control, and we can’t control the road conditions.  In these conditions, what are things within our control: (1) staying home and turning up the heat or starting a fire to keep warm, (2) if we go outside, wearing proper clothing, and (3) if we have to travel, wait for road maintenance to clear the road or expect to move very slowly.

In officiating, many things are out of control such as our schedule, game time, player and coach reactions, and fans. Even though these particular items are out of our control, many officials spend a great deal of time over-thinking and worry about how we are impacted by them.  How do we move or maintain our focus on what we can control?

The first question is “what can we control as officials?”  Let’s make it simple and call it a “PR”—Preparation and Response.  Let’s examine “PR” closer.

Preparation: we can control our preparation for each season, each game, and each play. Preparation encompasses being physically, mentally, and emotionally ready.  It also includes taking care of our responsibilities off the field with our families and job enabling us to be prepared for our officiating responsibilities.  Robert H. Schuller, TV Evangelist, quoted in one of his sermons “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” Preparation is often not fun and can even be boring. But, the result of being prepared is rewarding.

Response: We don’t control the responses of others—coaches, players and fans.  However, we have total control over our response. Our goal should be for our response to be clear and calm. When coaches ask for explanations, provide clear and concise responses. When coaches are out of control, we need to stay calm with limited body motions and facial expressions along with a calm, but stern voice.

Luke 6: 45:  A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

This verse is from a sermon Jesus was giving to a crowd that gathered around him. His teaching emphasized the importance of a person’s inner thoughts and the relationship to outward behavior.  Jesus’ preaching highlights the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We are reminded that what is inside of us will eventually come out in our words and deeds.

When we control our thoughts, outward appearance, reactions, and speech, we are better prepared to respond to the things that happen around and to us.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.”
― Steve Maraboli

What, How, Why

In the mid-1990’s, a youth minister in Michigan started a friendship bracelet with the letter’s “WWJD” standing for What Would Jesus Do? The primary premise of wearing the bracelet was to be a constant to reminder of the Biblical and moral decisions we are faced with each day.

Fast forward years later, Simon Sinek —inspirational speaker and author of 5 books— introduced WHW, in his 2009 Ted Talk “How great leaders inspire action.” In this popular Ted Talk will millions of views, Sinek explained the components of what he called the golden circle as follows:

·         Every company knows what they do.

·         Some companies know how to do it well.

·         But very few companies know why they do it.

Simon further noted to get someone to believe in you and your product, you must know your why.

As officials, what does “WHW” look like.

·         What do we do as an official? We are called to manage the game within the rules and philosophies set forth by the governing body.

·         How do we perform as an official? Each game, we are to be mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. Do we take care of our pregame responsibilities? During the game, are we able to be in the right position, properly apply the rules and philosophies, and effectively communicate with crewmates, players, coaches, and administrators?

·         Why do we choose to be an official? No matter the level of the game, are we officiating for the right or wrong reasons? Let’s look at the “why” closer.

Personally, as I think about my “why,” officiating was my “in” to be a part of sports I enjoyed so much as child and teen. Being an official, I have been lucky enough to grow by rules study, film review, working numerous games, and being mentored by other officials. But my “why” still stays the same—to be a part of sports. If our “why” is for the wrong reason, officiating can be more challenging than it already is. Over the years, I have heard reasons not to officiate such as “not enough money,” “don’t want to deal with coaches,” “fans are out of control, “takes up too much time,” etc. Even though these are legitimate reasons, I believe they should not be considered when deciding whether to officiate. The “why” should be focused on how we want to improve personally and the game through officiating. The “why” should be our passion for the game and our possible influence on others around us. 

Psalm 90:17: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

In this prayer, Moses asks God to work on behalf of His children and prosper all the work thy did for God’s glory and power to be on display. Moses asked for God's favor would be on His people and the things they did in order for their work to be successful.

As officials, let’s make this our “why”—our work and efforts be for God’s glory and power to be on display.

"Those who are growing great are always asking why? If they fail or lose, they ask why? If they succeed or win too, they ask why?"

Your Benefits

In Kevin Paul Scott’s article “Features vs. Benefits,” Kevin explains in one of his first jobs he sold Tempur-Pedic mattresses. When he first tried to sale the mattress, he would highlight how the mattress foam was originally designed for NASA, provided pressure relief, and prevented motion transfer. Even though these “features” were true, it didn’t help sell many mattresses. What was his flaw in his presentation? He was focusing on Features and not Benefits. He then started explaining the mattress would help you sleep better, relieve join pressure on joints and allow you to wake up more refreshed. The key was to focus on benefits more than features. In other words, as Kevin explains in the article, he isn’t selling the features of his product, he is selling the benefits.

Officials have features. I think of features as “what is an official or crew suppose to look like?”

·         Appropriate, clean, and proper fitting uniform

·         Understanding and knowledge of the rules

·         Be a good crewmate

·         Communicates with others

·         Calm demeanor

Now compare the expected  features of an official to the benefits they should bring to the sport. When a coach or administrator sees you walk into the stadium, what will the coach say is the benefit of you being in the game?

·         Looks good in the uniform and physically fit to be in the right position

·         Solid rules knowledge and understands how to apply the rules in all situations

·         Works well with other crewmates and brings the best out in others

·         Communicates well to coaches and able to explain rules and situations

·         Can control emotions and remain calm under pressure

Matthew 5: 13: ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

According to Dictionary.com, salt of the earth means “an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society.” Matthew 5:13 is part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. During Jesus’ day, salt had two purposes—preserving food and enhancing flavor. Jesus was challenging the crowd gathered to hear the sermon to “persevere” His teachings as well as “enhancing” it by spreading His teachings to others. As officials, let’s challenge ourselves to both preserve the integrity of the game and enhance the game by being a benefit not just a feature.

Do you offer just features? Or, what is your benefit and how do you benefit others?

Tiny Brushstrokes

When Leonardo da Vinci painted the “Mona Lisa,” he was mocked by his friends and colleagues for using such small brushstrokes to paint the picture.  By using small strokes, the painting took much longer than other painting methods.  In the end, da Vinci had the last laugh.  The painting da Vinci created one tiny brushstroke at a time became known as and still is a “masterpiece of photographic quality.”

When “seeing the big picture” is often the focus, why is it important to do small things? Andy Andrews, bestselling author of The Little Things, explains 3 benefits of when we do little things:

1.       Doing little things helps us be successful

2.       Doing little things sets us apart

3.       Doing little things helps us lead

First, taking care of the little things leads to success. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps’s set a new record by winning eight medals. When he won his 8^th medal, he won it by 1/100th of one second—a “little” less than a second led to a victory. On the field, our success is measured by properly officiating one play at a time much like Phelps won each race one stroke at a time.

Second, doing little things sets us apart. Think about one thing that can set you or your crew apart in a positive way? Almost all crews assign each member “a crew responsibility.”  Examples are taking care of hotel reservations, dining options, and ticket procurements. Referees also often assign members part of pregame to present such as foul reporting, scouting teams, measurements, and replay. At times, we may think our responsibility is not significant. The challenge is to complete our assignment as if it is the most important part of the crew. As small as an assignment may appear, it can lead to huge problems if not taken care of.

Third, completing little things helps us lead. We set the example by not only saying what we will do but also actually doing the work and showing appreciation for others. As officials, we are all leaders and need to recognize when others take care of their responsibilities.  As stated above, crew members take care of various aspects of the crew.  When was the last time you thanked a crewmate for taking care of their business?

Matthew 13:31-32 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

In Matthew 13: 31-32, notice the small grain of mustard seed could not grow until planted. God desires us to use and plant the small seeds. The small and often insignificant assignments we are given don’t appear to add value initially.  Over time, when we consistently “take care of business” with the responsibilities we are given, we plant positive seeds for the people around us.  On football weekends, make a difference by planting seeds. We can help grow a tree that provides rest and shelter for the people around us.

Every big picture that is ever created is created one brush stroke at a time.  Andy Andrews

Dialing In on the Target

Devotion provided by Mike Vandervelde, Referee-Big 12

As we move into conference play, Crew Chiefs often state “it is time to dial in on, and fine tune our game in order to fire on all cylinders.” For our early season games, we have evaluated and reflected on our performance; now, we turn to the meat of the season. 

As the season progresses, the question becomes how do we keep our eyes on the target?

Matthew 14: 29-30 - “And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!!”

Over the last couple of years, evaluators and clinicians have told us we need to “MWP”--“move with purpose” in order to put ourselves in position to see clearly what we are supposed to see.  Personally, I hope I move with purpose according to what Jesus is calling me to do each day. 

As important as goals are within our officiating world, at the heart of every great Christian competitor should be the discipline of focusing on a greater purpose. In Matthew 14, the disciple Peter wanted to walk on water with Jesus and did so until he shifted his eyes from Christ to the fierce wind. He became fearful and began to sink.

Likewise, we will start sinking in our lives if we focus on the negative noise that surrounds us. We must allow the Holy Spirit to be our guide, reminding us that with Christ, all is well with our souls.

No matter our performance on the field, if we fix our eyes on Christ, our target, and trust His faithful provision, we will be able to accomplish His purpose, both on the field each week….dialing it in….and our daily lives.

Lastly, here are a couple questions to challenge us and think about as we get into conference play:

·         What is your focus on as you train, prepare, and officiate the game?

·         How can you keep yourself from shifting your eyes off God? Who can walk alongside you on this journey?

John 10:27

1 Corinthians 16:13

Trust

A son asked his mom to help him show a car that he was selling.  He was not available and wanted his mom to be at his house to let the person see the car and stick to the price he offered. His mom agreed and was at her son’s house when the potential buyer arrived. After looking over the car, the buyer asked to take it for a test drive and the mom said “sure.” What happened next?  The potential buyer took the car and never returned—but, without paying. Frustrated and mad, the son told his mom “You are too trusting; you should have gone with him for the test drive.”

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something. Steve Covey, author of 7 habits of Highly Effective People explained “Trust is the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It is the principle that holds everything together.”

As officials, trust truly is the glue that holds the crew together. Once trust is lost, crews struggle with communication, learning, and openness. Lack of trust leads to selfishness and an attitude that the only person that can be trusted is myself.  But, officials who trust seek others’ advice and opinions, have open lines of communication, and encourage others to share.  How is trust lost in officiating? A few examples are (1) not arriving on time (or early) for meetings and departing for stadium, (2) giving an inaccurate description of a foul to a coach or grader, or (3) not providing information to other officials that is needed.

What ways do you think causes trust to be lost in officiating?

Considering how trust is lost, let’s look at a few ways to build and maintain trust:

1)      Choose to trust

2)      Speak truth

3)      Be responsible and reliable

4)      Serve others

5)      Be forgiving

Proverbs 20:6 in the Old Testament says, “Many people declare themselves loyal; but who can find someone who is really trustworthy?”

Solomon, known in the Bible as the wisest man who ever lived, expressed in the first part of the verse that "talk is cheap." People “declare” themselves loyal with their talk. But, when the going gets tough, who are the “trustworthy” ones? The question presented by Solomon really refers to the person whose loyalty lives up to their "big talk." 

God’s desire is for us to trust in Him and to express and show that trust to others around us.  Sure, situations can occur that cause us to lose trust.  But, those situations should be the exception, not the norm.

Among the most essential qualities of the human spirit are to trust oneself and build trust with others.”   Mahatma Gandhi

Credit: https://hope1032.com.au/stories/faith/2023/can-i-trust-you-too-much-morning-devotions/ by Cris Witts

 

The Secret to Greatness

Devotion provided by Mike Vandervelde, Referee-Big 12

What is Greatness? Everyone of us are striving to be “great” on the football field.  As officials, we are on the field and on the court surrounded by greatness, or at least a perceived sense of greatness. Along with that, our crews are working hard to be the greatest crew. Let’s look closer at defining and understanding greatness.

Who is the greatest of all time (the GOAT) in basketball? Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, or Lebron James? Why are these 3 players in discussion for being the greatest basketball players ever? What do we measure these players by?  Most people would specifically look at the numbers/statistics. We look at individual statistics, analyze how many wins and championships, and compare the eras in which they played. At the end of the debate, we would never come to a conclusion or an exact final answer.

Which team in college football is the greatest team of all-time?  Over the summer, I followed on “X” the voted-on bracket of the greatest teams ever.  I pose the question again--what makes someone or a team great?  According to the dictionary, greatness means the quality or state of being important, notable, or distinguished.  In the world we live, a person, a team, a business works hard to receive that perceived level of notability; however, God looks at greatness in a totally different perspective.

Matthew 20:26 gives us a very clear picture of what God wants us to do for us to be great.  In this verse, Jesus said, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Jesus is talking to the mother of Zebedee’s sons.  All she wanted was for her sons to be great. If they could sit next to Jesus, in her mind she believed that they would be looked at and seen in a position of greatness. 

Philippians 2:4 – not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 

Read John 13: 1-17 – What does Jesus teach us about what it means to be great when he washed His disciples feet? 

Jesus lead by example. He showed that the secret to greatness really comes down to serving others.  Jesus served.  To be great we need to have a heart to serve and serve often. As officials, how do we serve? 

·         Make sure crew mates have the necessary transportation

·         Clean conference room, hotel room and locker room before leaving

·         Be courteous to hotel staff, airline crews, school administrators

·         Be mentally and physically prepared for the game

Those are just a few examples.  Think and discuss some practical ways to serve while we are on the road throughout the season.

Let’s be great in God’s eyes.  

Calm and Clear

A situation that always challenges my ability to stay calm is when an airline gate agent directs me to check the size of my carry-on luggage. I have been traveling with the same piece of carry-on luggage for 3 years, when a gate agent recently directed me to verify my luggage wasn’t too big by placing it in the luggage sizer bin. This seems to happen to me about once every 10 flights even though other people in front of me appear to have similar size carry-ons. In this particular case, I took a quick deep breath, did not make any verbal response or offer any frustration, but just placed my bag in the sizer bin. Though my carry-on did in fact fit, the gate agent commented “the fit was tight but it fit.” My first thought was to respond with “well, it fit didn’t it.” But instead, I paused and just said “thank you” and boarded the plane.

 So in this case, and in all forms of effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, one key is to remain calm.

As football officials, several incidents happen throughout the weekend that cause our heart rate to increase and prevent us from remaining calm:

• Travel issues (flight delays, room not available)
• Angry coaches
• Penalties (flags we throw)
• Player issues (pushing, shoving, talking trash)
• Irate Fans

So, how can we remain calm in tense or hurried moments? Take a deep breath. Before talking or giving any type of facial expression, hand/arm motion, or non-verbal communication, pause for just a second with a deep breath and then communicate.

Why is remaining calm a key to effective communication? Being calm enables us to be clear in our communication. Clear communication for football officials looks as follows:  (1) Limited body movement and hand gestures (use self-control), (2) slow or even-paced verbal communication (don’t speak too fast), and (3) active listening (listen to hear, not to reply).

Challenge for this season: When communicating to the Referee, a fellow official, or coach, take a deep breath first. 

Here are some of the benefits of taking deep breaths:

1. Reduces stress; increases calmness.
2. Improves focus.
3. Increases energy.
4. Lowers blood pressure.
5. Supports correct posture.

https://www.urbanbalance.com/benefits-deep-breathing/

 

These are just a few scientific benefits to taking deep breaths. Another perk is the benefit of time! Taking a deep breath gives us a short, added amount of time in order to determine how to best respond.

Psalm 107:29-30:  He caused the storm to be still; so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet; so He guided them to their desired haven.

In this Psalm of David, I am reminded that God calms the storms within us and removes the fear and uncertainty of the storms (challenges) surrounding us. No matter how harsh or stressful of a situation that I face, God gives me peace. This peace also helps keep me calm and helps me to clearly communicate. Notice the end of verse 30, “He guided them to their desired haven.” When we as humans, and officials, are able to stay calm and “quiet,” the results are most often in our favor.

 “By staying calm, you increase your resistance against any kind of storms.” – Mehmet Murat ildan

 

Do the Right Things

We are busy people. Family responsibilities, work obligations, and personal events fill our calendars quickly. When we find our calendars over-loaded, we “give up,” “over-look,” or “set aside” certain activities and responsibilities so we can fulfill obligations in other areas. How do we decide what to do? The one thing we should not do is skip seeking wisdom. As we feel pressure from our schedule and the “to-do list,” we should pause and pray for wisdom from God to give us direction to accomplish our tasks.

The more activities we have, the more we need God to give us wisdom to accomplish one task at a time. Seeking God helps us prioritize our workload and gives us wisdom on how to more effectively tackle each task. The Bible tells us, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

As officials, what responsibilities are we having to prioritize? Before we arrive onto the field, we prioritize our physical fitness, rules and video study, uniform cleaning, and travel requirements. When we get to game time, what then are our priorities as we strive to manage the game well? (1) Clear communication among the crew as well as with coaches, players, administrators; (2) clock management awareness; (3) thorough reporting of fouls to Referee and solid announcements by Referee; (4) and overall calmness and professionalism during the game. With all we are called to accomplish on and off the field, we would be negligent to not seek wisdom.

A perfect example in the Bible is Jesus’ visit with sisters Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet simply listening to all He said. Martha, on the other hand was “busy.” Martha was frustrated Mary wasn’t helping prepare the meal and said to Jesus, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to give me a hand.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:39–42)  Although Martha was doing important things such as preparing food and a place for Jesus and His disciples to rest, Mary chose something even more important--listening to Jesus.

In our life of busyness, seeking wisdom from God to determine how to prioritize our “to-do list” is critical and makes our works more effective.

Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.

The Thankful ONE

Appreciation - recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.

Considering that definition, how do we “appreciate” someone or something?  We can say “thank you”, send cards, give gifts, serve others, and/or appropriate physical touch such as hugs.  The reality is we often don’t SHOW appreciation.  We may think it, but we don’t express it.

In the Bible, the book of Luke shares the story of 10 Lepers who were healed by Jesus.  Leprosy was a terrible skin disease and people who had leprosy were outcasts even to their own families.  In Luke 15: 11-15, Luke explains that as Jesus entered Jerusalem, 10 Lepers asked Jesus “to have mercy of us”—they asked for healing.  Jesus healed the men and the Bible says they “went away cleansed.”  Remember, 10 Lepers were healed.  In Luke 15: 15, the verse states “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God.” Only one man came back and expressed his appreciation to Jesus.  Most likely, the other 9 men were very thankful they were healed, but only one came back to show it.

As officials, we have unlimited opportunities to express and show appreciation and thankfulness.  Think about all of the people that we come in contact with during a weekend of a game— crewmates, flight attendants, hotel staff, stadium security, coaches, players, administrators just to name a few.   How do we show appreciation to these people?  Say “thank you’, serve others by cleaning the locker room and leaving hotel room as clean as possible, check on crewmates to make sure travel is going as planned, etc.  The key is to express it, live it and not just think it.

We will be remembered every where we go.  Let’s be remembered as being thankful and appreciative!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.  John F. Kennedy