SPORTS March 9, 2009 Issue

WHAT ARE YOU WINNING?

JIM MOSER

WHILE MOST SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS are putting the 2008/9 football season behind them, I find my thoughts lingering over the countless lessons I've learned—and am still learning—through my years of playing and coaching the game. Let me share a few ideas that are helpful in all areas of life.

Hard work is an inseparable part of football. You battle daily with heat, exhaustion, and soreness. However, every football coach I ever played for has reminded me, "If it were easy, everyone would do it."

Jesus said the gate is straight and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few people that find it (see Matt. 7:14). If we think of the word life as meaning fulfillment and success, and gate as meaning the obstacles that stand between us and those goals, this observation takes on a broader meaning. As a young football player I found there were many obstacles to overcome: a sense that I was too tired to give my very best effort during practices or games; the fear that I might miss a block during a game; anxiety when I faced opponents who were stronger or faster than I was.