Head in the Game

There are days, many days to be honest, when I just don't have my 'head in the game.'  I find myself constantly distracted by the things around me, like the drama or enthrallments of some people’s lives.  Or even the materialistic things that hold my attention, but ultimately distract me from the more important things.  

Too often my head just isn’t in the game.  I show up but I have neither the heart nor passion to really play.  This happens at home, at work, at kids events, at church, and social events.  

I recently read Hebrews 12.  To writer sums up the chapter by remaindering of God’s ‘life race’ in which we are all called to run and how since God loves us so he disciplines us in order that we might become more like him. 

I can certainly relate much to a race, as I have been in many in my life.  But it this verse reminded me of my marathon which I ran several years back.  It was by far the hardest race I have ran to date.  I was battling with an unknown vitamin and iron deficiency, which I have struggled with even to this day.  I was tired.  I was worn.  I didn’t show up with my head in the game.  I finished but I remember the disappointment that all the others runners kept passing me and I kept slowing down.  But I finished and though I am proud that I did.  I remember wanting a do over.  I wanted a second chance to show the world that I was able to finish stronger, better, faster. 

It wasn’t until I read Hebrews 12 that I realized how often it is that I look around to the other racers and I compare myself to them.  I look around and see others that having more, nicer things, better looks, better salaries, bigger houses, more likes on facebook.  To be honest, at times it’s the whole reason I don’t have the heart or passion to show up some days.  Though, I know God doesn’t want us to compare ourselves to others, and yet we do it anyway.    

I imagine that the Olympics, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup or even World Series are very important games for athletes.  One of the most important they may ever be a part of.  I imagine if a team makes it to those, they really have to show up with their heads in the game.  As is life, It’s a pretty darn important race for us all. 

We get tired and we slow down at times.  Sometimes we even crawl or God drags us along.  It’s true.   But I know how much God is willing to give us, if we only ask him for it.  He will supply us with more than enough energy and strength to get our heads back in the game.  He went to the ends of the earth and gates of Hell for us once already. 

I know that most days I don’t feel as my race or game isn’t nearly as important as others, but that is simply just a lie and excuse I make up.   If you believe all the lies that are out there you will never finish the race and you will sit there without your head in the game.   

I have to constantly remind myself that my endurance, my speed and my strength don’t come directly from my abilities or true self.  Rather, those things are poured out by a loving father we never lacks wisdom, love or passion.  He gives us things in his timing and for our good, we just have to keep our eyes fixed on him, our legs ready for the run and our heads in the game, long enough for him to tell us we finished strong and he is proud of us.  Listen to him cheering you on because most days he is, we’re just too distracted to look and listen to him because we're too distracted by everyone else.