John “Gucci” Foley, former lead pilot for the Blue Angels, has a tag line he uses at the end of his messages—“Glad to Be Here”. Foley explains this saying reminds him to give joyful effort and to be generous. Think about that--how often are we joyful in our efforts? In good times, joy is easy. In bad times, having a spirit of joy is tough.
Most people become officials as a way to continue to be part of the game. As I started my journey in officiating, I recall the joy (and nervousness) of being part of the game and being part of a group of officials. However, for various reasons, the joy can fade and often, quickly. Why? Fans, coaches, studying, learning, and applying the rules appropriately, family issues can result in stress and unhappiness. How do we continue to be “Glad”?
“This is the day that the LORD has
made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24
ESV)
This Psalm
was thought to be written after David defeated the Philistines and was now King
of Israel. Before becoming king, David faced many challenges from hiding for
his life from King Saul to killing a giant. Now, David could rejoice because of
God’s provision—he was King. Psalm 118
was written for the special occasion of David becoming king. Even through the difficult
days and times David faced before becoming King, it was time to reflect and
rejoice.
Are we
expected to rejoice in everything? In officiating, what if we make a wrong
call, have a bad evaluation, or get sick or injured and can’t work? Where’s the joy in that? When times are tough, focus from a perspective
of what God has provided. Remember the things that make us happy in life
and officiating—our family, being part of the game, working with others. Know what brings joy and focus on that when times
are tough. Don’t be too hard on ourselves for not rejoicing when we face challenges.
But, when we are able to rejoice and be glad, we can celebrate like David did
when he became king.
Brave men and women rejoice in adversity, just
as brave soldiers triumph in war.
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