March Madness

Once again, it’s the season for March Madness.  What an interesting, unpredictable, and surprising week it has been.  And there is still more to come.  It continues to amaze me what God chooses to teach me through sports.

* A team must earn the right to participate.

* Even though it has never happened before, a #16 seed defeated a #1 seed.

* A team’s ability does not depend on how they are ranked.

* Never give up.  The game is not over until the final buzzer sounds.

* Just because the majority of the people choose for a team to win the bracket doesn’t make it so.

* Teamwork makes a difference.

* Every team enters the tournament wanting and expecting to win.

* Coaches earn the respect of their team during the season not just during post season.

* Character shines brightly in the heat of the game.

* Changes may need to be made in order to play better defense or offense.

* No matter how many points the highest scorer makes, it still takes a team to play basketball.

* It’s best to concentrate on one play/one game at a time.

* The crowd may cheer loudly, but it’s the coach’s voice that needs to be heard, listened to, and followed.

* What happens in the first minute does not determine the final outcome of the game.  There is always hope.

* There are times for rejoicing and times of disappointment.

* It’s enjoyable when your team continues in the bracket.

May what I learn prepare, encourage, inspire, challenge, and motivate me as a participant in the game of life.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14