“I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot…when you think about the consequences, you always think of a negative result.” Michael Jordan
During this season of basketball and anticipation of the Final Four, my mind wanders back to years ago. Our family had the privilege of living across the street from a family in Calhoun, who were and still are our close friends. The family had two boys, William and Palmer, who, when added to our children, were stair steps in age. Rob and these boys were all into sports, and they were forever playing whatever sport was in season. Ashley and her friends were always the cheerleaders. I always loved watching and listening to them play basketball using the goal mounted on the garage at the parsonage in Calhoun.
Their favorite game was “last shot”. In this game, someone would count down from ten thus putting pressure on the one with the ball to take the last shot before the buzzer sounded. It was a life lesson – although to them it was just fun!
First, it taught them a cool head under pressure. I watched each one of these boys in game situations, and although they didn’t score each time, they were always the one the coach wanted to have the ball in a clutch situation. I hope we will all be deserving of that honor when we are called upon to defend our faith and beliefs.
Next, it gave them confidence. They never let negative results impact them because they knew they had done their best. As long as we know we have done our best in life, we can have the confidence to make a difference for others.
Lastly, it gave them a love of the game, a competitive spirit, and an understanding of winning and losing, which endures to this day. I see the same love in Drew. When I see him play the game, I know his daddy has taught him “last shot”. It is true that “in life you often get what you expect” (Michael Hyatt). Those boys always expected to make that shot, and more often than not, they did! In life, we need to love each day and expect only the best from our Lord and Savior.
As Shaq would say, “One lucky shot deserves another.”
Just as a footnote, I am picking UNC!